NewsBytes

Uncapped Indian cricketer Mahipal Lomror has signed a six-match deal with Surrey for the ongoing County Championship season. The 26-year-old left-handed batsman will join the team ahead of their home match against Nottinghamshire on Thursday. The move comes as both Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence are unavailable for upcoming fixtures due to injury and national duty, respectively.

Visa has expanded its premium card portfolio in India with the launch of two new tiers: Visa Infinite Privilege and Visa Infinite Private. The move comes as part of a three-level Visa Infinite portfolio, which also includes the existing Visa Infinite offering. The expansion is aimed at catering to India's growing affluent consumer segment, which has seen a significant rise in high-income earners over recent years.

For the first time in nearly two decades, more Americans than not have an unfavorable opinion of India. The finding comes from a recent survey by Pew Research Center, which shows that 50% of US adults view India unfavorably, while only 45% hold a favorable view. The data was collected as part of Pew's Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey involving responses from 42,092 adults across 36 countries.

The India Skills Report 2026 has revealed that Uttar Pradesh (UP) is the most employable state in the country, with an impressive employability rate of 78.6%. The report highlights a steady rise in job readiness among Indian youth and reveals regional trends indicating which states are leading in this regard. Overall, India's employability rate has improved to around 56% this year, up from just over 54% in 2025.

India, the world's second-largest sugar producer, is mulling a cut in its import duty on sugar. The move comes as domestic prices of the commodity have hit a record high amid weak monsoon rains and rising festival-season demand. Officials are considering proposals to lower or even scrap the 100% tax on inbound shipments to boost local supplies.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has taken on the role of a space farmer. In a recent video from the International Space Station (ISS), he and his colleague Jessica Meir can be seen harvesting and cooking fresh kale and wasabi mustard greens. The vegetables were grown over a month as part of NASA's efforts to create sustainable food production systems for deep-space missions.

The Indian government has announced that there will be no recipient for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, the country's highest sporting honor, in 2025. This is only the third time since its inception in 1991-92 that an athlete hasn't been selected for this prestigious award. The decision comes after a meeting of the National Sports Awards selection committee on December 12, where names like compound archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam and women's World Cup-winning cricket captain Harmanpreet Kau

West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves has been named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for July 2026. His stellar performances with both bat and ball during this period earned him the honor. "I have had a memorable month playing at home, and to have contributed with both bat and ball against Sri Lanka and Pakistan has been particularly special for me," Greaves said of the performances that had won him the honor.

Royal Enfield has launched the Classic 350 Gorkha Edition in India, at a starting price of ₹2.1 lakh (ex-showroom). The new model is a tribute to the heritage and traditions of the Gorkha Regiment. It features a unique 'Gorkha Green' color scheme and an insignia inspired by crossed Khukris, representing the courage and resilience associated with the Gorkha fraternity.

The three-match Test series between England and Pakistan will get underway on August 19. Both teams are coming into this match with their own set of uncertainties. Under new captain Joe Root, England are aiming to overcome their recent Test failures. Meanwhile, Pakistan will be without their regular skipper Babar Azam for the series opener. Here we look at the player battles that can headline the upcoming series.

Pakistan's Test captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first match of the three-Test series against England, starting on August 19. The decision comes after he suffered a finger injury during a practice match last week. The injury was caused by a delivery from fast bowler M Lumsden during Pakistan's three-day warm-up game against Professional County Club Select XI. Meanwhile, Salman Ali Agha will make his Test captaincy debut in Babar's absence.

Ma Dong Seok, also known as Don Lee, will join Chris Hemsworth in the upcoming Netflix film Extraction 3. His agency, Big Punch Entertainment, confirmed this role. They said, "Following his role as the lead of TYGO, a spin-off film based on the Extraction universe, Ma Dong Seok will also join Extraction 3, continuing his global action career."

The Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) had a total corpus of ₹8,452 crore by the end of financial year 2024-25, according to audit statements released on Monday. The fund received ₹1,162.92 crore as donations from within and outside the country in 2023-24 and 2024-25 but spent only ₹16.47 crore during this period. Nearly 93% of the total funds were held as fixed deposits at the end of FY25.

India are on the brink of winning the 1st Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium. Chasing 372, the hosts lost four wickets before stumps on Day 4. They will enter the final day at 77/4 with Sonal Dinusha and Dhananjaya de Silva in the middle. SL earlier bowled India out for 193, as Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya shared seven wickets.

Patching denim jeans is a practical way to extend their life while adding a unique touch. Whether you're dealing with a small tear or a larger hole, knowing how to patch effectively can save you money and reduce waste. This guide provides essential tips and techniques for successfully patching denim, ensuring your jeans remain stylish and functional. With the right approach, you can give your favorite pair of jeans a new lease on life.

Hollywood actor Hayden Panettiere, who died at 36, reportedly kept some of her friends "in the dark" about her reunion with Brian Hickerson before her death. A source told Page Six, "If Brian was back in her life...then it was something she was hiding...because she wasn't speaking about it with many of her friends." "If you've gone through some dark times with people...and spoken about it, then there can be shame if you get back together with that same person."

Transforming glass jars into storage solutions is a practical way to declutter your home while being eco-friendly. This DIY project requires minimal investment and is perfect for those looking to organize their spaces sustainably. By repurposing glass jars, you can create functional storage options for various household items, reducing waste and saving money. Here are some insights on how to effectively transform glass jars into versatile storage solutions.

Sleep-in curls are a great way to wake up with beautiful waves without putting in a lot of effort. This method is perfect for those who want to save time in the morning while still looking stylish. By using simple techniques, you can achieve natural-looking curls overnight. Here are five practical tips to help you master the art of sleep-in curls and wake up with effortless waves every morning.

Often overlooked, parsley is a versatile herb that can do wonders for your health. This humble green is not just a garnish but a powerhouse of nutrients. With its rich content of vitamins and minerals, parsley can easily be added to your daily diet. Here are five ways to incorporate parsley into your meals, making them healthier and tastier.

Carom seeds, or ajwain, are a staple in many kitchens owing to their digestive properties. These tiny seeds are packed with compounds that may help in digestion and relieve bloating. Here are five easy recipes that use carom seeds to make tasty dishes that may promote digestive health. Each recipe highlights the unique flavor of carom seeds, while giving you a healthy meal option.