The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially ended its sponsorship deal with Dream11 following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision, stating the board will no longer engage with such organizations. The bill, passed by both houses of Parliament, introduces stricter regulations on online gaming platforms, prompting Dream11 to part ways with Indian cricket. This marks a significant shift in BCCI’s commercial partnerships, as Dream11 had been a prominent sponsor across formats. The move reflects growing scrutiny of online gaming in India and its intersection with sports sponsorship. (PC: The Financial Express & The New Indian Express)

India is fast-tracking plans to build the Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Dam in Arunachal Pradesh to counter China’s $170 billion mega-dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet. Delhi fears Beijing could divert up to 40 billion cubic meters of water, reducing Brahmaputra flows by 85% during dry seasons. The Indian dam, with 14 BCM capacity, aims to stabilize water supply and absorb potential surges. However, fierce resistance from Arunachal’s Adi community whose villages and livelihoods face submersion has stalled progress. Despite protests, some villages have begun cooperating. Experts warn of seismic risks, while India weighs strategic water security against environmental and social costs. ( PC: Scroll.in & Reuters)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS), received a hero’s welcome in Lucknow after completing the Axiom-4 mission. Returning from nearly 20 days in orbit, Shukla was greeted at Lucknow Airport by cheering crowds, family, and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak. A felicitation ceremony was held at City Montessori School, attended by top state leaders. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honored Shukla and his fellow astronauts, praising their role in India’s space ambitions. Shukla called the mission a “big achievement” and emphasized its importance for future goals like Gaganyaan, Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and India’s eventual lunar landing.

An American man has gone viral for singing the Indian classical thumri Aaj Khelo Shyam Sang Hori. The clip, shared by Eric O’Daly on Instagram, shows his soulful performance that many online users called “beautiful and full of devotion.” Eric explained he first heard the thumri over 10 years ago and learned it from Pandit Nayan Ghosh. The composition, set in Raag Kafi, is often sung during Holi and celebrates playful moments of Krishna with gopis. Social media users praised Eric’s effort, saying his voice carried “bhaav and bhakti,” essential to the spirit of the song.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance revealed that President Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian imports are part of a strategy to exert “aggressive economic leverage” aimed at pressuring Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Vance said the tariffs are designed to disrupt Russia’s oil-driven economy by targeting nations like India that purchase discounted crude. Despite criticism, India maintains its energy decisions are based on national interest and market dynamics. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded sharply, saying, “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” The move has strained U.S.-India relations, especially as similar scrutiny hasn’t been applied to China or Europe. (PC: The Economist & NBC News)

Sanju Samson smashed a brilliant 42-ball century in the Kerala Cricket League, scoring 121 runs off 51 balls with 14 fours and 7 sixes. His knock powered Kochi Blue Tigers to their third straight win, chasing a massive 237-run target. Samson, set to feature in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, has strengthened his case as an opener with this innings. Despite sharing the crease with his brother, his celebration was ice-cold. Meanwhile, reports suggest Samson may leave Rajasthan Royals before IPL 2026, with Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders showing interest, though no final deal has been made yet. (PC: HT)

In eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk, residents are fleeing as Russian forces press closer. Moscow already controls most of Luhansk and 70% of Donetsk, and fighting is intense near Dobropillia. Volunteers race to evacuate the sick, elderly, and children under constant drone and artillery attacks. Many towns lack water and power, while hospitals struggle with rising casualties. Ukraine has rushed extra troops to defend its “fortress belt,” but Russia continues slow advances. Locals are divided on whether to negotiate or fight on. With fortifications rising and casualties mounting, the fate of Donetsk remains uncertain as war grinds on. (PC: BBC)

Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, renewed his push to revive Saarc during talks with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Dhaka on Sunday. This marked the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in 13 years. Yunus said regional cooperation with Pakistan and other Saarc nations is a priority. Saarc has been inactive since the 2016 Uri terror attack, which led India and others to boycott the planned Islamabad summit. Though India later pushed Saarc’s Covid-19 fund in 2020, Pakistan’s repeated vetoes stalled trade protocols. Yunus urged leaders to restart cooperation for regional progress. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, declaring they are “paying a very heavy price” for their aggression. Speaking from the Israeli Air Force command center in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s resolve to strike anyone who attacks or plans to attack the country. The Israeli Air Force targeted multiple sites in Sanaa, including the presidential palace, fuel depots, and power stations. Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed the palace was destroyed, though reports from Yemen remain unconfirmed. The strikes followed a Houthi missile attack using a cluster bomb warhead. Six people were killed and 86 injured, intensifying regional tensions. ( PC: Reuters)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that President Vladimir Putin is open to meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy. Lavrov told Russian state media that any future negotiations would require clarity on the authority of the person signing agreements, claiming Zelenskyy’s term ended in May per Ukraine’s constitution. Kyiv maintains Zelenskyy remains the legitimate leader under martial law provisions enacted during wartime. Moscow has repeatedly challenged his status. Lavrov’s remarks highlight ongoing diplomatic tensions and the complexities of initiating peace talks amid contested leadership. The statement adds another layer to the geopolitical standoff between Russia and Ukraine, with legitimacy now a central issue. (PC: France 24 & Reuters)