Gujarat Titans endured a major scare after the IPL 2026 final when their team bus caught fire while returning from Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium to the team hotel on Sunday night. Reports indicate a short circuit triggered the blaze, causing smoke to spread inside the vehicle. All players and staff were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported. The squad reportedly waited on the roadside for nearly an hour before a replacement bus arrived. The incident capped a disappointing evening for Gujarat Titans, who lost the IPL 2026 final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by five wickets. The scare followed a demanding travel schedule and weather-related disruptions in recent days. (PC: X)

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah triggered controversy after telling Parliament that Nepal, like India, has also occupied land across the bilateral border. Shah said he learned after taking office that cross-border occupation exists on both sides and stressed that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also suggested involving the United Kingdom, citing its historical role in shaping regional boundaries. The remarks sparked criticism from opposition leaders, border experts and sections of Nepal’s political establishment, who argued the statement undermined national interests. Nepal’s Foreign Ministry later clarified that Shah was referring to occupation and land use issues in border areas, not territorial claims or formal boundary revisions whatsoever.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru cemented their place among the IPL's elite teams by winning a second consecutive title with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final in Ahmedabad. After ending an 18-year wait for their maiden trophy in 2025, RCB needed just 12 months to add another championship to their cabinet. Gujarat were restricted to 155/8 by a disciplined bowling attack led by Rasikh Salam Dar, Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. In reply, Virat Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls as RCB reached 161/5. The triumph makes Bengaluru only the third franchise to win back-to-back IPL titles. (PC: X/RCB)

Indian-American teenager Shrey Parikh's victory at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee has sparked a wave of racist and anti-immigrant reactions on social media. The 14-year-old California student won the prestigious competition after correctly spelling 32 words in a record-breaking 90-second spell-off round. While many celebrated his achievement, some online users linked to the MAGA movement questioned the dominance of Indian-origin contestants and posted offensive comments targeting his ethnicity. Critics shared remarks such as, "This isn't an American, he's brown," and "Get these things out of the United States." The incident has reignited debate over immigration, identity and diversity in America. (PC: X)  

Rajasthan Royals sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi capped off a remarkable IPL 2026 campaign by winning the Orange Cap at just 15 years and 65 days of age. The teenage batter finished the season with 776 runs from 16 matches at an average of 48.5 and a stunning strike rate of 237.3. His lead remained intact after Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill and opener Sai Sudharsan fell early in the IPL final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Sooryavanshi also set several records during the season, including most sixes in a single IPL campaign with 72 and becoming the fastest player to reach 1,000 IPL runs. (PC: India Today)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their second consecutive IPL title after defeating Gujarat Titans by six wickets in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Chasing 156, Virat Kohli produced a match-winning unbeaten 75 off 42 balls and guided RCB home with confidence. The veteran batter also recorded the fastest fifty of his IPL career despite battling an injury. Earlier, RCB's bowlers restricted GT to 155/8, with Rasikh Salam Dar taking three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed two each. Washington Sundar scored a fighting half-century for Gujarat, but RCB's all-round display secured another championship triumph. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered troops to move deeper into Lebanon after Israeli forces captured the historic Beaufort Castle and a nearby strategic ridge.   "We have broken the barrier of fear," Netanyahu said, describing the capture as a major achievement. He added that Israel aims to expand control over areas previously held by Hezbollah.   The advance marks Israel's biggest move into Lebanon in 25 years. Fighting has continued despite a ceasefire announced in April.   According to Lebanese authorities, more than 3,370 people have been killed in the conflict. Israel says Hezbollah attacks have also displaced thousands of residents.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee was attacked during a visit to Sonarpur in West Bengal, where eggs, shoes and stones were allegedly thrown at him by a crowd. Banerjee accused the BJP of being behind the incident.   Responding to the allegations, the BJP said, "The drama is stale and no more eggciting." The party also claimed the attack reflected public anger and internal divisions within the Trinamool Congress.   Several opposition leaders condemned the incident and expressed support for Banerjee.   Police have arrested five people in connection with the attack. Investigations into the incident are continuing.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani said the company's US legal issues are now "behind us" and it is focusing on future growth. In his annual letter to shareholders, Adani said the group will continue investing heavily in infrastructure and AI-related sectors.   He highlighted investments in energy, transport, logistics, airports, data centres and manufacturing. The group spent more than ₹1.5 lakh crore on expansion during FY26.   Adani also said investor confidence remains strong, pointing to a ₹24,930 crore rights issue by Adani Enterprises.   "Before AI can think, energy must flow," he said, stressing the need for strong infrastructure. (PC: AP)

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is worsening rapidly, with more than 1,000 suspected cases and at least 246 deaths reported. Medical charity MSF described the situation as "deeply alarming" and warned that the outbreak is spreading faster than expected.   Neighbouring Uganda has confirmed nine cases and one death. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited the affected Ituri province to support response efforts.   Health workers are increasing testing and awareness campaigns. However, conflict, border closures and delayed aid deliveries are making containment difficult. The current Bundibugyo strain has no proven vaccine and remains a major concern. (PC: Anadolu via Getty Images)