Tamil Nadu cash-for-votes scandal rocks state politics
₹35 crore per MLA, rain washes out India-England cricket, and Belgium's stunning World Cup comeback
Today at a glance
Tamil Nadu politics erupts over allegations of ₹35 crore cash-for-votes as TVK and DMK trade accusations. Rain abandons the first England-India T20, while police investigate a ₹20.4 lakh recovery linked to Ayodhya temple donations. Venezuela rescues a 2-year-old from earthquake rubble after six days, the USA advances at FIFA World Cup 2026, and Belgium stages a dramatic comeback to eliminate Senegal.
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Rain abandons England-India T20 in Manchester
India1 min read
England's hopes of bouncing back from a poor summer were dashed as persistent rain forced the abandonment of the first T20 against India at Old Trafford. No play was possible as heavy showers soaked the ground throughout the scheduled match window. The weather disruption continues to plague England's home season, with fans left disappointed after waiting for the match to begin. The two teams will now look ahead to the remaining fixtures in the series, hoping for better conditions.
Tamil Nadu rocked by ₹35 crore cash-for-votes scandal
India1 min read
Political warfare erupts in Tamil Nadu as TVK and DMK accuse each other of horse trading after three men were arrested with massive cash hauls. State minister R Nirmal Kumar alleged the accused were in contact with DMK leader V Senthil Balaji and were offering ₹35 crore to each legislator to switch loyalties. The high-stakes political drama comes amid tense power dynamics in the state assembly. Both parties have filed counter-complaints, with investigations now focusing on the source of funds and potential links to larger political conspiracies. The case has sparked renewed debate about electoral integrity.
Police have sought custody of Avinash Shukla after recovering ₹20.4 lakh in the Ram Temple donation case, with SBI officials now under the scanner. The development came after Ayodhya circle officer Ashutosh Tewari interrogated Shukla in jail. Investigators are probing whether temple donation funds were misappropriated for personal use. The case has raised questions about oversight mechanisms for religious donations, particularly given the massive public contributions to the Ayodhya temple. Authorities are examining bank records and transaction trails to establish the money flow and identify other potential accused.
Venezuelan toddler rescued after six days under rubble
World1 min read
Two-year-old Kleiber Moran was pulled alive from earthquake rubble in Venezuela on Wednesday, six days after the disaster struck. His aunt told the BBC she will provide him with "mother's warmth" as he recovers from the ordeal. The miraculous rescue has offered a rare moment of hope amid the devastation caused by last week's deadly earthquakes. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors, though hopes are fading as days pass. The earthquakes have displaced thousands and caused widespread infrastructure damage across the affected regions. India has historically provided humanitarian assistance during such disasters and may consider aid depending on diplomatic channels.
Folarin Balogun's strike secured a 1-0 victory for the United States over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 at FIFA World Cup 2026. The hosts advance to the knockout stages in front of a roaring home crowd. The goal came after sustained pressure from the American side, who controlled possession throughout the match. Bosnia struggled to create clear chances against a disciplined US defense. The win sets up a potentially challenging Round of 16 encounter. For co-hosts USA, the pressure is mounting to deliver a deep tournament run on home soil, with fan expectations at an all-time high.
Belgium stuns Senegal with dramatic comeback at World Cup
Sport1 min read
Belgium produced a remarkable turnaround to eliminate Senegal at FIFA World Cup 2026, coming back from two goals down to reach the Round of 16. The Red Devils scored twice in just three minutes to level the contest in normal time before grabbing an extra-time winner. Senegal looked comfortable with their two-goal cushion but collapsed under relentless Belgian pressure. The dramatic victory keeps Belgium's World Cup hopes alive after a turbulent qualifying campaign. Senegal, meanwhile, exit the tournament despite their strong start. The match showcased the unpredictable nature of knockout football.