Rinku Singh created history in IPL 2026 with an unbeaten 83 for Kolkata Knight Riders against Lucknow Super Giants. His knock came off 51 balls with seven fours and five sixes. It is now the highest score by a No. 6 batter in IPL history. He broke MS Dhoni’s record of 70 not out set in 2011. Rinku also added 62 runs with Sunil Narine to lift KKR past 150. The match ended in a tie, but KKR won in the Super Over. The win helped KKR move up in the points table. (PC: NDTV)

Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan has approved the merger of Raghav Chadha and six former AAP MPs into the BJP. The move raises the BJP’s strength in the House to 113. Union minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the decision and said, “Welcome to nation building NDA under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” The MPs who joined include Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal and Rajinder Gupta. Chadha said he left AAP due to a “toxic” work environment. (PC: HT)

United Arab Emirates sought help from allies during heavy attacks by Iran, and Israel responded by sending its Iron Dome system and troops. Reports said the move followed a call between Mohammed bin Zayed and Benjamin Netanyahu. The system helped intercept many missiles and drones targeting key sites. UAE officials said hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones were launched. Some still hit civilian and military areas. An official said the country would “not forget” the support. The move has strengthened ties between the UAE and Israel during the conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Jitendra Singh reviewed a plan to set up seven space labs in universities and colleges across India. The labs will give students hands-on training in satellite systems, rocketry, and mission design. Officials said the aim is to build skilled talent for the growing space sector. India’s private space industry has attracted over USD 600 million in investment and now has more than 400 startups. Students earlier had limited practical exposure in this field. The new labs will offer real-world learning. The move is part of a wider push to support innovation and meet rising demand for trained engineers. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said he “was not worried” during the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC. He told CBS News, “We live in a crazy world.” Gunshots were heard near a security checkpoint, and Trump was quickly escorted out by agents. Authorities believe senior officials, including Trump, may have been targets. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from California, was arrested at the scene. He is expected to appear in court in Washington. Officials said preliminary findings suggest he may have been targeting members of the Trump administration. (PC: BBC)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been accused of foul play by Nauman Niaz after his recent IPL hundred. Niaz suggested the 15-year-old may be using an “AI chip” in his bat to generate power. “Get his bat checked… send him to some lab,” he said on a show. He added the youngster’s power and range looked unusual for his age. Sooryavanshi scored a 37-ball century against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has 357 runs in eight matches this season. His performances have put him among top scorers in the league. (PC: X)

Arvind Kejriwal has said he will not appear before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the excise policy case. In a letter, he said his “hope of getting justice” has been “shattered”. He claimed there is a conflict of interest and raised concerns about the judge’s links and family roles. Kejriwal said he would follow Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of satyagraha and boycott the hearing. He said he is ready to face legal consequences. He also kept the option open to approach the Supreme Court. (PC: India Today)

India and New Zealand will sign a free trade agreement to double bilateral trade to $5 billion within five years and boost investment. The pact, to be signed by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay, offers duty-free access for Indian MSMEs in sectors like textiles, leather, and processed foods, while easing access for pharmaceuticals and temporary employment visas. New Zealand gains tariff reductions on 95% of exports, including meat, wine, and fruits. India has excluded sensitive sectors such as dairy, sugar, and edible oils to protect domestic industries, marking a significant step in economic partnership.

Israel reportedly deployed its Iron Dome and troops to the United Arab Emirates to counter Iranian missile threats, marking its first such overseas deployment. The move followed talks between Benjamin Netanyahu and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE has faced heavy attacks, with hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones reportedly launched by Iran since February 28. Israeli forces also conducted strikes on Iranian missile sites. The deployment reflects deepening Israel-UAE cooperation amid escalating conflict, shifting regional dynamics, and ongoing but fragile ceasefire efforts. (PC: AFP)

Pakistan faces criticism for allegedly amplifying disinformation around stalled US-Iran talks to project itself as a mediator. The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, reportedly circulated misleading updates claiming Iranian participation in negotiations despite Tehran’s reluctance. This narrative coincided with diplomatic movements by Abbas Araghchi, who engaged Pakistani leaders to convey concerns to Washington, not to hold talks. The strategy aimed to position Islamabad as a peacemaker but risks undermining credibility. Analysts warn such actions could erode Iran’s trust and damage Pakistan’s mediation prospects, especially amid heightened geopolitical tensions and already fragile diplomatic channels. (PC: X)