India’s interim head coach VVS Laxman backed teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to “break all the records” in international cricket after the 15-year-old capped a dream series against Zimbabwe with a mature match-winning knock in the third T20I.

Sooryavanshi, who was named Player of the Series in India’s 3-0 sweep, top-scored with a composed 81 off 49 balls on a slow Harare surface, helping India post 192/5 after registering his maiden international half-century earlier in the series.

Laxman said what impressed him most was not just the runs but the youngster’s ability to learn and adapt.

“Very mature. That’s what I really appreciate about Vaibhav. With each and every experience, each and every match, he understands, assesses and gets better. He reviews every practice session, not just matches.

“It was a difficult wicket. The ball was stopping and coming on, Zimbabwe bowled well and had plans for him. The way he countered them made it a very, very mature knock.”

Laxman added that Sooryavanshi’s success did not surprise him, recalling the composure he displayed during his breakthrough Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign with Rajasthan Royals.

“It was on expected lines. When he played for Rajasthan Royals, he embraced the pressure instead of being overawed by it. That’s why I’m not surprised by the way this series has gone.”

Although the teenager was disappointed after falling short of his maiden international century, Laxman said the team management reminded him that bigger milestones lie ahead.

“He was disappointed not to get a hundred, but we told him it won’t be the first or the last opportunity. He’s got a long career ahead. He’s got the attitude and mindset to improve every day, and I’m sure he will progress and break all the records at the international level.”

Having worked closely with Sooryavanshi for more than two years through the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, Laxman said the batter’s biggest transformation has been mental rather than technical.

“We know Vaibhav very well. We identified him around two and a half years ago and have seen him through different camps, the Under-19 World Cup and now international cricket. We know not just the player but the person, and that helps us prepare him in the best possible way.

“As far as skill is concerned, only minute adjustments are needed. What has really stood out is how much he has matured as a person. His awareness and understanding over the last six months have skyrocketed, allowing him to perform under pressure.”

Laxman, however, stressed that improving overall fitness remains a key area of focus for the 15-year-old.

“One area where we want him to improve is his overall fitness. We also have to remember that he’s only 15. He wants to get better in every aspect. Even after getting injured today, he wanted to stay on the field. That eagerness to contribute says a lot about his character.”

Prime Video has locked in an August premiere for season 2 of ‘The Traitors’ India, following the teaser drop over the weekend. The reality format returns after a breakout debut season that turned into one of the platform’s biggest talking points in 2025.

Prime Video has not shared the full contestant list yet. The host is also unconfirmed, though Karan Johar is widely expected to return. He fronted season one and became closely tied to the show’s identity in India.

Season one’s success set the stage

The first season aired from June 12 to July 3, 2025. It was based on the Dutch format “De Verraders” and brought together twenty well known names from film, television, sports, and digital media. Names like Uorfi Javed, Karan Kundrra, Raj Kundra, Jasmin Bhasin, and Raftaar filled out the cast.

Nikhil Madhok, director and head of originals at Prime Video India, called the season a true breakout, crediting Johar’s hosting and the cast’s energy. The show reportedly reached viewers across most of India’s pin codes and drove heavy chatter on social media.

Uorfi Javed and poker player Nikita Luther made it to the end as Innocents. They split the prize money of Rs 70.5 lakh. In one widely shared moment after the finale, Uorfi handed her share to Nikita instead of keeping the full amount for herself.

Filming already underway

Reports out of India say shooting for season two kicked off earlier this year at the same location as season one, Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Karan Johar was reportedly on site as filming began.

Several names have floated around as possible contestants. Reports point to former Bigg Boss winners like Munawar Faruqui, Elvish Yadav, Shweta Tiwari, and Rubina Dilaik joining the new season. Other reported names include Mallika Sherawat, Sanjay Kapoor, Abhishek Malhan, and Rhea Chakraborty. None of this is officially confirmed by Prime Video.

A global format still growing

“The Traitors” started as a Dutch show and has since spread across more than 30 countries. It was named format of the year by K7 Media in 2024. Versions now run in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.

The Indian version stood out for adapting the format’s psychological game to local celebrity culture. Contestants complete missions to grow a shared prize pool while secretly trying to spot the hidden traitors among them. Elimination happens through group votes at a round table, echoed by secret nighttime decisions from the traitors themselves.

A 19-year-old medical aspirant was found dead at her home in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district after she allegedly died by suicide following disappointment over her NEET re-examination score, police said on Monday.

The incident comes amid continuing scrutiny of the NEET examination process and renewed concerns over the mental health impact on students affected by the controversy surrounding the entrance test.

The deceased was identified as Ankita Suresh Sangle, a resident of Jalalpur village in Karjat taluka. According to police, she had secured 166 marks in the recent NEET re-examination.

Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra: A student allegedly died by suicide in Jalalpur village of Karjat taluka after reportedly being distressed over scoring lower-than-expected marks in the NEET examination. The deceased has been identified as Ankita Sangale, who had reportedly secured 166… pic.twitter.com/fSWOt2oksO

— IANS (@ians_india) July 27, 2026

Police register accidental death case

Karjat Police have registered an accidental death case and have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to Ankita’s father, Suresh Sangle, she died by suicide on Saturday afternoon after hanging herself from a ceiling fan inside their home.

He said his daughter had prepared extensively for the medical entrance examination and had initially secured good marks. However, she had been under considerable stress after allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination surfaced.

The NEET-UG examination was leaked in May, following which the government conducted a re-examination on June 21.

Several aspirants allegedly died by suicide after the paper leak controversy, triggering widespread public outrage over the examination process.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has expressed support for the recent nationwide student movement in India over alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system. On Monday, she said the protests by students reflected “the true meaning of people power” and praised those demanding accountability and justice.

Her remarks came after she joined a demonstration in London organised by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) UK. The protest was held outside the Indian High Commission on Sunday (local time) to show solidarity with students in India who have been protesting against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.

SFI-UK’s victory gathering is in full swing at Trafalgar Square! We send our salutes to @GretaThunberg, who showed up in solidarity with the Indian student movement at the London protest today. The student movement has given global activists hope about the power of the people ✊ pic.twitter.com/nvtsYqEI2R

— Students’ Federation of India – United Kingdom (@sfi_uk) July 26, 2026

Protest outside Indian High Commission

Images and videos shared by SFI UK leaders showed Greta Thunberg standing with protesters carrying placards in support of Indian students. The gathering focused on concerns surrounding alleged examination-related irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy.

Addressing those present, Thunberg called for international support for students seeking justice. She said movements like these highlight the strength of people coming together for a common cause.

Speaking at the event, she said the protests represented “the true meaning of people power” and encouraged people across the world to stand with students demanding fairness.

SFI says movement inspired global support

SFI President VP Sanu welcomed Thunberg’s participation in the London demonstration and thanked her for extending support to the student movement.

According to Sanu, the protests in India have inspired people beyond the country’s borders and demonstrated the power of collective action. He said growing international attention reflected the importance of the issues raised by students.

The Supreme Court on Monday, July 27, observed that the right to peaceful protest is guaranteed, adding that police excesses on such demonstrations cannot be justified.

The top court has agreed to hear on Tuesday, July 28, a batch of petitions claiming police excesses against students protesting over NEET-UG paper leak and other issues across the country, PTI reported.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana stated that there should be a protocol in place and if “there is some anti-social elements etc that can be taken care of.”

The apex court has also agreed to take up a separate plea that has been filed by a few family members of those police personnel who were attacked during the protest, along with other listed petitions.

“The Right to peaceful protest is absolutely guaranteed. That cannot be denied. Merely because there is agitation cannot justify police excesses,” CJI Surya Kant said.

He called for self-evolved discipline during any such protests. “Just because there is an agitation does not mean there should be lathi charge. Self- evolved discipline is needed which is essential to democratic process,” the CJI noted, according to Bar and Bench.

The petitioners have sought pan-India guidelines for ensuring peaceful protests are allowed. These were filed in connection with the recent protests and alleged use of force by police on agitators at Jantar Mantar in the national capital as well as in Bihar.

While appearing for one of the petitioners, Advocate Fauzia Shakil submitted that the security forces used AK-47 in Siwan during Bihar bandh.

Senior Advocate Vikas Singh raised similar concerns. “Bihar also had a lot of attacks on students. All India order is needed,” Singh said.

Justice Bagchi stated that life of every individual irrespective of who they are is important.

“There should be a protocol in place. There should be proper space and no restriction. But if there is some anti-social elements etc that can be taken care of. This is not a question of Delhi only. Uniformity of protocol is needed,” the CJI remarked.

Notably, the students protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was called off on July 25 following Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as the Union Education Minister.

Barely two days after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) ended its 36-day agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, a new social media campaign has emerged with a different target. Calling itself the E20 Janta Party, the digital outfit is demanding that motorists be given the option to buy 100 per cent petrol and has called for Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari’s resignation.

The campaign has quickly gained traction on Instagram and X, borrowing the meme-heavy style and irreverent messaging that helped propel the CJP’s anti-NEET movement into the national spotlight. While there are no protest sites or street demonstrations yet, the campaign has begun circulating slogans, parody posts and short videos focused on the government’s ethanol-blending policy.

Every vehicle deserves the fuel it was designed for.

E10-compliant vehicles → E10 fuel.
E20-compliant vehicles → E20 fuel.

Distribution and logistics are the government’s responsibility not the consumer’s.

We paid high GST on our vehicles and registration fees. In return, we…

— E20 JANTA PARTY (@E20Party) July 27, 2026

Campaign gains early traction on social media

The E20 Janta Party has rapidly built a sizeable online following since launching its campaign.

As of Monday, its Instagram account had over 204,000 followers and 79 posts, while its X handle had attracted nearly 49,600 followers. Both profiles project the campaign as a movement for consumers’ rights and call for people to be given the choice of buying 100 per cent petrol instead of only ethanol-blended fuel.

The Instagram bio says the campaign has “one demand” and “one mission” – to give consumers the freedom to choose 100 per cent original fuel at a discounted price. On X, the account describes itself as fighting for every citizen’s right to buy pure petrol and urges that motorists be allowed to decide what goes into their fuel tanks.

Memes replace protest tents

Posts shared by the account include slogans such as “Gen Z only one demand: Gadkari resign.”

The campaign gathered momentum over the weekend, with users sharing memes that suggested the CJP’s next battle had already been decided. One widely circulated post read, “Dharmendra Pradhan gaya. Abki baar Gadkari baahar!”

Another viral Instagram reel showed young protesters dispersing after the CJP agitation with the caption: “See you next at Nitin Gadkari’s protest.”

Like the CJP, the new account relies on minimalist visuals, internet humour and short slogans rather than detailed political messaging.

E20 Janta Party is not a political party.

We are an independent citizens’ movement focused on raising issues that affect the common people. Our only agenda is to ensure transparency, protect consumer rights, and encourage an open public discussion on the real impact of India’s…

— E20 JANTA PARTY (@E20Party) July 26, 2026

Campaign seeks fuel choice, not rollback

The E20 Janta Party says it is not seeking subsidies or the withdrawal of ethanol-blended petrol. Instead, it wants consumers to be allowed to choose between E20 fuel and 100 per cent petrol.

The group has also demanded transparent labelling at fuel stations, publication of data on the costs and benefits of fuel blends, and independent studies on mileage, engine performance, emissions and maintenance costs.

Although ethanol-free 100-octane premium petrol is already available at select fuel stations, it is priced significantly higher than regular E20 fuel. In Delhi, 100-octane petrol costs ₹169 per litre, while E20 petrol is priced at ₹102.12 per litre.

Transporters announce Parliament march

The online campaign has also received support from the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association.

The association has announced a march to Parliament on August 4, alleging that ethanol-blended petrol has reduced fuel efficiency, increased maintenance costs and affected the performance of older vehicles.

4 August – Parliament March, New Delhi

Taxi, tourist, and commercial vehicle owners from across India will march to Parliament to protest against E20 ethanol-blended petrol and the mandatory installation of expensive GPS and panic button systems.

Protesters say E20 is affecting… pic.twitter.com/4QtebwM5Qt

— E20 Janta Party (@E20JantaParty_) July 26, 2026

Government rejects widespread complaints

The Centre has maintained that it has not received evidence of widespread problems linked to ethanol-blended petrol.

Replying to a question in Parliament last week, Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi said the government had not received “widespread or substantiated” complaints about E20 fuel affecting vehicle performance.

Whether the online campaign remains confined to social media or develops into a wider public movement remains unclear. For now, the debate over ethanol-blended fuel has found a new digital platform, with memes and online activism driving the conversation.

Comedian Raunaq Rajani has accused a police officer of assaulting his wife during a protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on July 22. According to Rajani, the officer kicked his wife while they were being detained, causing a rib fracture that was confirmed later through an X-ray.

The protest was organised in support of the nationwide demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Protesters were demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak and alleged irregularities in the examination process.

 

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A post shared by Raunaq Rajani (@sirraunaqrajani)

Videos shared to support allegations

Rajani shared several videos on social media, claiming they captured the events before and after the alleged assault. He said the footage shows police detaining protesters, his interaction with officers, and what happened inside the police vehicle after he and his wife were taken into custody.

According to Rajani, the situation began when police detained a young protester. He and his wife questioned the officers while recording the incident on their phones.

“So it starts with this kid getting detained and both of us were telling the cops that they do not have the right to do so. Now, he’s trying to get to me. While we are out here filming the cops doing this shameful illegal activity, keep an eye on the man in khaki uniform coming towards me. So this is how he got me down,” Rajani said.

Rajani claims officer kicked his wife

Rajani said that during the struggle, he tried to ensure his wife was safe by asking her to hold his hand.

“So, at this point, I want to make sure my wife doesn’t get hurt. So, I’m asking her to hold my hand. Now, as you saw in the other video, once we were on the floor, the man in khaki entered,” he said.

He then made his main allegation, claiming the police officer deliberately kicked his wife.

“And now, he kicks my wife and separates her hands. Watch it again, see his leg movement,” Rajani alleged while asking viewers to closely examine the video.

He also claimed that another officer, whom he identified as wearing a red shirt, forcefully pushed his wife into the police vehicle while they were being detained.

Couple says they were injured during detention

Rajani said he and his wife were among the protesters detained by police on July 22. He alleged that officers used excessive force while placing them inside the police vehicle.

According to him, he suffered a neck sprain, while his wife experienced severe pain in her ribs.

“Hi, my wife’s rib has been fractured because of the protests in Mumbai. It was fractured by a policeman. On 22nd July 2026, my wife and I were detained by the police while they were illegally rounding up people at the Shivaji Park protest. You might have seen pictures of both of us in the cop van. They shoved us in with brute force. I ended up having a sprain on my neck. She ended up having pain in her ribs,” Rajani said.

Injury confirmed after medical examination

Rajani said they did not immediately realise how serious the injury was because they believed many other protesters had suffered more severe police action during the demonstrations.

The couple travelled to Delhi the next day. However, when his wife’s pain did not improve after returning, doctors advised an X-ray. Rajani said the medical examination confirmed that she had suffered a fractured rib.

“We didn’t make a big deal out of it because, honestly, people have been through so much worse in terms of police brutality in the last week… We were like, fine, this is what it is. And, we went away to Delhi the next day. She came back. The pain was not reducing. So we went to a doctor who said she should get an X-ray, and she has a fracture. Now, I have video footage to show you what exactly happened,” he said.

Delhi Police may soon act against social media posts that criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders in harsh terms. The posts came up during and after a protest held by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar. Sources close to the matter confirmed this.

Police plan to send notices to social media companies. These notices will ask the platforms to take down posts, videos and comments that cross the line into abuse.

Review process underway

A source in the police department said officers have gone through content shared during the protest. Based on this review, notices will target posts found to be abusive. The source added that a separate exercise is running right now. Its aim is to track down such content on different platforms.

Officers are also checking two things. First, whether any post broke existing laws. Second, whether any post carried the risk of disturbing peace in public spaces.

Social media monitoring team on the job

The Delhi Police has a dedicated Social Media Monitoring Team. This team has kept a constant watch on online platforms since the protest. Their job is to flag content connected to the demonstration that could count as objectionable.

Legal angle

Indian law allows action against online content under provisions of the Information Technology Act. This includes Section 69A, which lets the government direct platforms to block content seen as a threat to public order or national security. Police can also invoke provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaced the Indian Penal Code in 2023, for content that amounts to defamation or incitement.

Social media platforms in India are required to comply with government takedown orders within set timeframe once notices are issued. Non-compliance can lead to platforms losing safe harbour protections under IT rules.

India captain Shreyas Iyer described leading the side to a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe as a “special feeling” while praising the team’s youngsters for their fearless approach and energy throughout the tour.

After back-to-back series defeats in Ireland and England, Iyer registered his maiden T20I series victory as India’s captain as the visitors completed a clinical 35-run win in the third and final match at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

“As we saw, they are a fearless bunch of young players who have shown tremendous energy on the field and intent, especially while playing back-to-back games.

“To have that kind of energy is what I require as a captain, and they delivered once again. So, yeah, it’s a special feeling for me to win the series here in Zimbabwe. Clinical, 3-0. It’s going to be a special moment,” Iyer said after the match.

The skipper also dismissed suggestions that he carries significantly more responsibility than the younger members of the squad, pointing out that many of them have already gained valuable experience through the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“If you see the record, I’ve played almost a similar number of matches compared to all of them, around 55 to 60. Experience-wise, many players have tremendous exposure because they play in the IPL as well.

“They are special talents, and the more you get out of them, the more it benefits the team. Every time I step onto the field, I try to ensure they are comfortable and relaxed because that’s when you get the best out of them,” he added.

Reflecting on the series, Iyer said he was pleased to see players taking responsibility and contributing across departments, adding that India must carry the momentum into future assignments.

“As a captain, you want to see players stepping up, taking responsibility and winning games for the team. That’s what you need going forward as well.

“We have created momentum now, and it’s important that we remain consistent with our approach and attitude. There will be tougher challenges ahead, but if we maintain the same calmness and courage, it will be great for Indian cricket,” he said.

Asked about the team’s biggest takeaway from the Zimbabwe tour, Iyer stressed the importance of constant improvement rather than focusing solely on results.

“The standard we set from the first match is something we want to keep building on. Rather than worrying too much about the result, we just want to keep going a notch higher every time we step onto the field.

“That’s the message we’ve been giving all the players. Whatever the situation, it’s important to play to the best of our abilities and do everything we can to help the team,” he concluded.

India’s next white-ball assignment will see them host the West Indies for three ODIs and five T20Is, before Iyer is expected to lead the side at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Subject to schedule confirmation, India could also tour Bangladesh for a white-ball series and face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series later this year.

Director Amit Rai’s upcoming family drama ‘Ohh My Dog’ will now arrive in cinemas on August 7 instead of its earlier scheduled release on July 31. The makers announced the last-minute change just a few days before the film was set to hit the big screen.

According to people associated with the project, the decision was taken late on Sunday after the team reviewed the box office situation and theatre availability. The film stars Maahi Rai, son of Amit Rai, alongside acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi.

Lack of screens prompted the decision

The main reason behind the postponement is the heavy competition at theatres. Industry sources said that most cinema screens had already been booked by two major releases, The Odyssey and Dhamaal 4. Adding to the challenge, Spider-Man is also releasing on July 31, making the weekend even more crowded.

For a smaller film like Ohh My Dog, getting enough screens to reach audiences became a difficult task. The makers felt that releasing in such a packed week could affect the film’s visibility and overall performance at the box office.

Amit Rai explains why the team waited

Speaking about the decision, Amit Rai said that Ohh My Dog is designed as a family entertainer. Since the film targets the same audience that many of the bigger releases are expected to attract, the competition would have been extremely tough.

He explained that the film has the ability to connect with viewers, but without enough theatres, its promotional plans and release strategy would not work as intended. Rai said the movie has strong potential, but it needs proper space in cinemas to reach families.

Indian weightlifter Raja Muthupandi dedicated his Commonwealth Games 2026 silver medal to his parents and coach Vijay Sharma, while admitting he was disappointed after falling short of the gold in the men’s 65kg event in Glasgow on Sunday.

“I am certainly disappointed because my coach had placed his trust in me, believing we would put in the full effort to win gold. However, I didn’t perform well. I dedicate this win to my parents and my coach, Vijay Sharma. I will focus on the lessons learned here and concentrate on my training. I will train according to my coach’s instructions and work hard moving forward,” Raja said.

India’s #RajaMuthupandi produced a remarkable comeback to clinch the silver medal in the men’s 65kg #weightlifting event at the #CWG2026, adding another medal to the country’s impressive tally in Glasgow. Although disappointed at missing out on gold, Raja dedicated his silver to… pic.twitter.com/LTwifh7D5x

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) July 27, 2026

The 26-year-old registered a combined lift of 286kg, comprising 126kg in the snatch and 160kg in the clean and jerk, to finish second on the podium and hand India its third medal of the day.

Malaysia’s Aznil Bin Bidin Muhamed won the gold with a Commonwealth Games record total of 299kg, securing his third consecutive Commonwealth Games title after triumphs at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.

The silver completed a remarkable comeback for Raja, whose career was threatened by a serious elbow ligament injury in 2019. His rehabilitation was further delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, while the emergence of Jeremy Lalrinnunga in the higher weight category kept him out of India’s squad for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Raja returned to the national setup after the introduction of the 65kg category and rebuilt his career with consistent performances, including a ninth-place finish at the 2025 World Championships, where he recorded a personal-best total of 299kg.

His silver added to India’s successful day in weightlifting after Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu won her third successive Commonwealth Games gold in the women’s 48kg category, while Rishikanta Singh claimed silver in the men’s 60kg event.

Elsewhere, India’s boxing campaign suffered its first setback as Aditya Pratap Yadav exited the men’s competition following a narrow 3-2 split-decision defeat to Uganda’s Nuhu Batte in the pre-quarterfinals.

Large parts of India are set to witness intense monsoon conditions on Monday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of torrential rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across several states over the next few hours.

The weather agency said the coming 14 hours could be particularly significant as heavy rainfall activity gathers pace in multiple regions. Authorities have urged people to remain alert as strong winds, waterlogging and localised flooding could disrupt normal life.

Heavy rainfall to intensify across north India

According to the IMD, widespread rainfall is expected to continue over Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Uttarakhand through the week.

Rainfall is also forecast to become more intense from Monday across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Several places in these states may receive heavy to very heavy rain during the week.

The department has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in parts of Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. People have been advised to avoid open areas during adverse weather.

Odisha faces most intense spell

Eastern India is also likely to remain under the influence of an active monsoon.

The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Jharkhand and Bihar over the coming days.

Among these states, Odisha is expected to receive the heaviest rainfall on Monday. The department has forecast heavy to very heavy rain, with isolated locations likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall.

Jharkhand is also likely to receive heavy rain, while rainfall activity is expected to pick up across Bihar during the week.

Strong winds may trigger disruptions

The IMD warned that wind speeds could touch 80 kmph in some areas.

Such conditions could lead to uprooted trees, power outages, traffic disruptions and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Residents living near rivers and coastal regions, along with farmers and travellers, have been advised to remain cautious.

The IMD said prolonged rain may increase the risk of landslides in the hills and push up river levels. It has urged people in vulnerable areas to stay alert and avoid venturing out unless necessary.

Christopher Nolan’s latest epic, ‘The Odyssey’, is creating history at cinemas around the world. However, while the film continues to attract huge crowds and break box-office records, it has also become the latest major Hollywood release to face online piracy.

Reports say that the movie was leaked on the internet just one week after its theatrical release. The leaked version quickly spread across several social media platforms, allowing users to watch and share unauthorised copies. The incident has raised fresh concerns about digital piracy despite strict copyright laws.

Low-quality version spreads across social media

According to international media reports, a low-quality copy of The Odyssey appeared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday.

The Hollywood Reporter stated that the video remained online for around two hours before it was removed. During that short period, the post reportedly received more than 50,000 views, showing how quickly pirated content can spread online.

Apart from X, several copies of the film were also found circulating on Telegram. Hindustan Times independently confirmed that multiple unauthorized versions were available on the messaging platform.

Universal Pictures promises strict action

Universal Pictures, the studio behind The Odyssey, has confirmed that it is taking immediate steps to stop the illegal circulation of the film.

In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, the studio said it acted as soon as it became aware of the leak.

“We became aware of the unauthorized posting of the film and immediately initiated takedown protocols. We take copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all appropriate remedies to protect our content and intellectual property rights,” the company said.

The statement makes it clear that Universal intends to protect the film through legal and copyright enforcement measures while continuing to remove pirated versions from online platforms.

Box office remains unaffected by the leak

Despite the piracy issue, The Odyssey has shown no signs of slowing down at the global box office.

The film earned $87 million in North America during its second weekend in theatres. This pushed its domestic collection to $286 million.

Internationally the movie has collected more than $350 million so far. Combined, its worldwide earnings have reached nearly $640 million making it one of the biggest theatrical successes of the year.

Premium large-format screenings have played major role in the film’s impressive performance. IMAX theatres alone contributed $48 million to the global earnings during the second weekend.

Nolan sets another impressive record

The second-weekend performance of The Odyssey has also surpassed one of Christopher Nolan’s own biggest achievements.

The film’s $87 million second-weekend collection in North America is higher than the $82 million earned by Oppenheimer during its opening weekend in 2023.

Two people were killed and several others, including a two-year-old child, were injured in a shooting near Seattle Center during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday evening, triggering a massive police response.

The Seattle Fire Department said two people were declared dead at the scene, while four others, including a two-year-old child, were taken to hospital. Fire officials said another woman declined medical treatment.

Authorities have not announced any arrests or disclosed a possible motive behind the shooting. Officials have also not released details about a suspect, saying the investigation remains ongoing.

Police ask public to stay away from Seattle Center

In a post on X, the Seattle Police Department said officers were responding to a shooting involving multiple victims.

“Police are investigating a shooting. Multiple shooting victims. Shots fired at the Seattle Center. More information to come. Please avoid the area,” the department said.

Emergency personnel rushed to the scene as visitors fled the venue following the gunfire.

Witnesses describe panic at Bite of Seattle festival

According to CNN, citing affiliate KOMO, witnesses attending the festival reported hearing seven to eight gunshots before crowds began running in different directions.

The shooting occurred near the Seattle Center, about a block from the city’s iconic Space Needle, according to CNN, citing fire officials.

The annual Bite of Seattle festival was being held at Seattle Center over the weekend. The event features local food vendors and live music and attracts large crowds every year.

Harborview Medical Center said all four patients admitted to the hospital had suffered gunshot wounds. One woman remains in critical condition. The hospital said the injuries involved the arm, leg, abdomen and lower leg.

Shortly after the incident, the Seattle Center Monorail announced that services would remain suspended for the rest of the day and would resume on Monday morning.

Investigation underway

Authorities have not announced any arrests or disclosed a possible motive behind the shooting.

Seattle Center, one of the city’s best-known public venues, houses attractions including the Climate Pledge Arena and the Space Needle.

Further details are awaited as investigators continue to examine the incident.

For more than a century, Indian cinema has brought the story of the ‘Ramayana’ to audiences in many different ways. From the silent film era to grand Bollywood productions and memorable Telugu versions, the epic has been retold countless times on the big screen. However, filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari believes his upcoming adaptation stands apart for one major reason: it will unfold as a two-part film series.

The makers recently launched the movie’s global promotional campaign at the San Diego Comic-Con. During the event, the team participated in a panel discussion and interacted with international media. In an interview with IGN, Tiwari explained why the makers chose to divide the story into two films instead of presenting it as a single movie.

Also Read: ‘Toy Story 5’ crosses $1 billion worldwide, becomes 2026’s highest-grossing movie so far

Director says one film was not enough

According to Nitesh Tiwari, the ‘Ramayana’ is a continuous story that deserves enough time to be told properly. He revealed that the first film will end at a carefully chosen moment that leaves audiences eager to know what happens next.

The director said the ending of Part One can be described as a cliffhanger. He explained that the break in the story is designed to make viewers want to watch the second film as soon as they leave the theatre. Tiwari added that the team felt it would not be possible to do justice to such a massive epic within a single movie. After carefully planning the screenplay, they selected what they believe is the perfect point to conclude the first chapter and continue the remaining journey in Part Two.

Release schedule already announced

The makers have also confirmed the release plan for both films. ‘Ramayana Part One’ is scheduled to hit theatres in November this year, just before the Diwali weekend.

The second installment is already locked for release ahead of Diwali in 2027, giving audiences a chance to experience the complete story over two major theatrical releases.

A familiar story with a fresh presentation

While the story of the ‘Ramayana’ is already known to millions, Tiwari believes the film will still feel new. Speaking about his creative approach, he said the emotional relationships between the characters remain the heart of the film.

He explained that the makers have focused on bringing those emotions to life while using modern filmmaking techniques and cutting-edge execution. According to him, this combination will give audiences a fresh cinematic experience even though they are watching a story they have known for years.

The two-part film features an impressive ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana, and Sai Pallavi as Sita.

Disney and Pixar’s ‘Toy Story 5’ has passed $1 billion worldwide. It now ranks as the highest-grossing movie of 2026 so far.

The film has earned $448 million domestically. It has made $573 million internationally. That brings the global total to $1.022 billion.

‘Toy Story 5’ is the third movie this year to cross the billion-dollar mark. It follows ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, which finished with $1.001 billion, and ‘Michael,’ which also reached $1.001 billion. ‘Toy Story 5’ has now surpassed both.

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A franchise milestone

This is the third ‘Toy Story’ film to cross $1 billion. ‘Toy Story 3’ hit the mark in 2010. ‘Toy Story 4’ did the same in 2019, finishing with $1.07 billion. No other animated franchise has produced three separate billion-dollar films.

‘Toy Story 5’ reached the milestone in its sixth weekend of release. It is expected to soon pass ‘Toy Story 4’ and become the highest-grossing film in the franchise.

The movie opened with $160 million domestically from 4,425 theaters in North America. That was the biggest domestic debut of the year at the time, beating ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,’ which opened with $131.7 million. Globally, ‘Toy Story 5’ debuted with roughly $312 million, the biggest opening weekend ever for an animated film.

The story behind the numbers

‘Toy Story 5’ deals with a theme that mirrors real life. In the film, Bonnie’s toys face competition from Lilypad, a frog shaped electronic tablet, for her attention. The plot centers on Jessie and the challenge toys face in a world full of screens.

The film stars Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack as Jessie and Greta Lee as Lilypad. Andrew Stanton directed the movie.

Part of a bigger trend

This year is shaping up to be the strongest for billion-dollar films since before the pandemic. In 2019, nine movies crossed $1 billion, including ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ ‘The Lion King,’ ‘Aladdin,’ ‘Joker,’ ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ and ‘Captain Marvel.’

In 2020, theater closures during COVID meant no film reached that mark. The numbers slowly recovered after that. There was one billion-dollar film in 2021, ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home.’ There were three in 2022: ‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’ ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Jurassic World Dominion.’

2023 saw two, ‘Barbie’ and ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie.’ 2024 had three: ‘Inside Out 2,’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ and ‘Moana 2.’ Last year, 2025, also had three: ‘Zootopia 2,’ ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch.’

More billion-dollar films on the way

‘Toy Story 5’ likely won’t hold its top spot for long. ‘The Odyssey’ has earned $639.6 million after just two weekends in theaters. It is on track to become the fourth film this year to cross $1 billion.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ opens July 31. It follows 2021’s ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home,’ which became one of the biggest box office hits in recent memory. Given that history, expectations are high for the new film’s earnings as well.

Pixar’s return to the billion club

This marks Pixar’s first film to cross $1 billion since ‘Inside Out 2’ in 2024, which finished with about $1.7 billion worldwide. ‘Toy Story 5’ is now the sixth highest-grossing Pixar movie of all time, trailing ‘Inside Out 2,’ ‘Incredibles 2’ at $1.24 billion, ‘Toy Story 4’ at $1.07 billion, ‘Toy Story 3’ at $1.06 billion, and ‘Finding Dory’ at $1.029 billion.

US President Donald Trump has rejected reports that the American military is facing critical shortages of air defence interceptors, insisting the country’s arsenal remains more than sufficient despite questions raised over stockpiles during the conflict with Iran.

The remarks come as media reports in the United States point to internal discussions within the administration over the pace at which Patriot and other interceptor missiles are being used. While defence officials acknowledged inventory constraints, the White House maintained that the military remains fully equipped to carry out any mission authorised by the President.

Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Trump dismissed suggestions that dwindling munitions could affect military operations.

“We have far more munitions than anyone in the world, and far more than we need,” he said.

Reports point to concerns over interceptor inventory

Trump’s comments followed a report by The New York Times, which said General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had privately warned that interceptor supplies assigned to US Central Command could come under severe strain if military operations against Iran expanded.

According to The Wall Street Journal, US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper believes available inventories can still support current operations. The report said the military strategy centres on increasing strikes against Iran’s launch capabilities, subject to Trump’s approval, to reduce the threat before large missile attacks can be launched.

White House declines to release updated figures

The Wall Street Journal reported that White House officials opposed releasing updated government figures on Patriot and THAAD interceptor usage, arguing that publishing such information could compromise national security.

Even without official data, analysts Mark Cancian and Chris Park of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies estimated that at least 1,500 Patriot interceptors have been used since the conflict began. Their assessment suggests fewer than 1,000 remain in US inventories.

In an earlier report released in April, the analysts warned that reduced missile stocks could pose a near-term challenge and argued that a conflict with a military power such as China would consume munitions at an even faster rate.

Officials insist military has necessary resources

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell said the US military has the resources required to execute any mission directed by the President.

The Wall Street Journal also cited US officials as saying Iran has continued to adapt its missile tactics by changing flight paths, speeds and manoeuvres in an effort to evade air defence systems. According to the report, those tactics have increased the demand for interceptor missiles.

The newspaper further reported that Gulf allies are also facing pressure on their own air defence inventories after using significant numbers of interceptors during the conflict.

Earlier report linked shortages to escalation plans

Separately, The New York Times reported that Trump decided against a broader military escalation against Iran after defence officials warned that expanding operations could rapidly deplete Patriot interceptor stockpiles across the Middle East.

According to the report, officials argued that lower interceptor inventories could leave US forces, regional partners and key military facilities more vulnerable to retaliatory attacks.

The newspaper also said internal discussions intensified after three US service members were killed in Jordan when a ballistic missile struck a housing area during an attack involving Iranian drones and missiles. Officials quoted by The Wall Street Journal said most incoming missiles were intercepted, but Iran’s changing tactics have continued to test American air defence systems.