Bhuvneshwar Kumar last played for India in the ill-fated semi-final of the T20 World Cup against England in November 2022, a match that later changed the way white-ball cricket is played in India. While some of the legends of Indian cricket reshaped the game, unfortunately, Bhuvneshwar Kumar became one of its victims.

That kind of defeat, followed by being sidelined, usually spells a certain departure from top-level cricket. And yet, here we are, three and a half years later, Bhuvneshwar Kumar holds the Purple Cap once again. The fast bowler has taken 26 wickets this season, which is equal to his best haul so far in the Indian Premier League. At the age of 36, he has now reached consecutive finals in the world’s most demanding cricket league.

Qualifier 1, RCB vs GT: highlight | Achievement:

While in 2025 he was part of the support contingent led by the extraordinary Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made this season his own, leading the attack from the front in his usual manner. On Tuesday, that humility was once again on display when Bhuvi spoke after his match-winning performance. On a night when the ball was expected to go out of the park, the right-arm pacer returned figures of 4/0/28/2 and broke the back of Gujarat Titans’ batting in Qualifier 1. IPL.

The bowlers faced a big challenge in Dharamshala on Tuesday. He needed to find the exact length at which the ball would not disappear for a run. The ball was too full and the batsmen did not even need to keep the ball on the ground; Bowled a little shorter and the pitch didn’t have enough zip to trouble them.

It was an incredibly difficult task, so much so that two world-class fast bowlers, Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada, conceded runs at economy rates of 13 and 15 respectively. The bowler is playing his first IPL 2026 match, Kulwant Khejroliya gave away 28 runs in a single over. And yet Bhuvi barely gave anything away while bowling against one of the most consistent top three players in the IPL.

How does he keep doing this? This question was clear when he appeared with Ravichandran Ashwin and Irfan Pathan in the post-match show.

The answer lies in how they have got their game down to a science. At a time when bowlers are constantly having to look for new variations in modern T20 cricket, Bhuvi’s renewal this season really comes from doing less.

For years, his knuckleball was his weapon of choice. But this season he has reduced its use considerably. Instead, he has turned to the scrambled seam, a deliberate tactic designed to create constant uncertainty in the batsman’s mind. When the ball hits the crooked seam on flat Indian pitches, the batsman cannot predict whether it will bounce, slide or remain off the surface.

“You’re absolutely right. We’ve certainly talked about swing and angles, but the use of the scramble seam, which you saw more of today and which we’ve used a lot this season, has been a very deliberate strategy,” he explained.

“I think I have enough experience in reading situations now, so there was no need for more [the knuckleball] In this weather. What needed more was scrambled seams.”

What makes Bhuvi so effective at 36 is his ability to adapt quickly. He doesn’t go into the game with rigid ideas. In Qualifier 1, it took him exactly six balls to realize that his original plan of swinging the new ball would have to be abandoned. Seeing Jacob Duffy bowl the first over, Bhuvi adjusted his strategy even before bowling his first ball.

“When Duffy bowled the first over, I was about to bowl the second and somewhere in my mind I had the feeling that there would not be much swing. So all these things are part of our plan. It is not that we are just bowling randomly. There is always a plan behind understanding how the wicket is behaving.”

While young, fast bowlers like Siraj and Rabada struggled to find their length and score runs on the Dharamshala surface, Bhuvi relied on his processing speed. He understood the pitch faster than any other player on the field.

He was dropped from the national team in 2022 as Indian cricket wanted to move towards a different template. But three-and-a-half years later, with 26 wickets and the Purple Cap to his name, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has shown that simple, clear-minded planning can still demolish the world’s best batting line-ups. Royal Challengers Bangalore is in the finalAnd it is their most experienced bowler who has taken them there.

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In the largest renewable energy plan ever proposed by any country, China plans to develop the most extensive clean energy plants off its shores. From reports about this plan, it appears that China aims to develop 1,000 wind turbines with millions of solar panels, which will be built on an area located about 4,300 miles from mainland China. The initiative comes after China’s increasing focus on renewable energy, offshore solar power systems, wind power generation and long-distance electric power transmission. Given the fact that China is currently the leader in the production of solar panels and large-scale renewable energy projects, it seems that this renewable energy plant could revolutionize international energy cooperation.

How China is taking its renewable energy experience abroad

However, China’s efforts toward clean energy have extended beyond its borders. Over the past ten years, Beijing has made substantial investments in solar farms, offshore wind power and hybrid energy systems in other parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.This can be understood from the example of its achievements at the domestic level. In December 2025, China commissioned the world’s largest solar power station in Xinjiang province, consisting of more than 5.26 million solar panels and generating billions of kilowatt-hours of energy per year.According to PV Magazine International, the construction of the Midong solar project involved extensive infrastructure, such as transportation and distribution of electricity over large distances.This type of experience gained over the last ten years is currently being implemented abroad. According to the plan, the new mega project will include both large wind power plants and solar power sources, which will enable continuous power generation regardless of weather conditions.

Why is China investing in huge wind and solar projects?

The move toward renewable energy in China has been largely driven by energy security and economic planning considerations. President Xi Jinping has already announced that China plans to significantly increase its wind and solar power production as part of its emissions reduction strategy. Projects using renewable energy sources will help reduce China’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. This will give China the power to exercise better control over global infrastructure development.According to industry experts, the feasibility of combining wind turbines, solar panels and batteries has improved significantly in the last decade, due to lower costs. As a result, China has a distinct competitive advantage when it comes to building such projects on a large scale. China produces most of the world’s solar panels and wind turbine parts.In an analysis by World Economic ForumIt was reported that China is leading the world in investment in renewable energy, accounting for the largest growth of global clean energy.

offshore solar and long distance power transmission Industries are changing

Another unique aspect of renewable energy development in China is the sheer scale on which the technology is deployed. In late 2025, China will launch the world’s first gigawatt-scale offshore solar farm in Shandong province, officials said.The project was engineered by China Energy Investment CorporationCombining offshore solar farms with energy storage and marine engineering capabilities. According to officials, the plant was capable of producing about 1.78 billion kilowatt-hours annually. According to a spokesperson for the group, in 2026, it will focus on stabilizing coal supplies and upgrading coal-fired power plants, with relevant investments accounting for about 30 percent of the total.On another front, China continues to develop ultra-high voltage transmission lines capable of transmitting power several thousand miles with low losses. This technology will be important for renewable energy development in locations far from urban centers that require electricity.

A glimpse of the future of global energy

If the overseas renewable energy facility goes ahead on a large scale, it will certainly qualify as one of the major infrastructure initiatives in the renewable energy era. Building a project with 1,000 turbines and millions of photovoltaic panels would be much more than a giant source of electrical energy; This will be a testament to the international nature of renewable energy sources.In the Chinese context, the project involves much more than just generating power. Instead, it would mean that China is dedicated to becoming a leader in the worldwide transition to renewable energy.

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New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a doctor from Latur and a faculty member of a coaching center in the NEET-UG 2026 exam paper leak case, taking the total number of persons arrested to 13.The arrested medical professional has been identified as Dr Manoj Shirure, who allegedly played a key role in facilitating the leaked chemistry questions for three students, including the son of a coaching center owner.According to investigators, Dr Shirure obtained these questions through PV Kulkarni, another accused in the case.The second person, Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, works as a physics faculty member at Dr. Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy (APMA), a premier coaching institute in Pune. Shah reportedly received the leaked physics questions for the high-stakes medical entrance exam from Manisha Havildar, who is already in custody.The federal agency registered the case on May 12, 2026, following a written complaint by the Department of Higher Education under the Education Ministry.Soon after taking over the case, the CBI formed special teams and launched a massive nationwide crackdown. So far, massive search operations have been conducted at 49 locations, resulting in the seizure of laptops, mobile phones and several incriminating documents.The investigation, which spans multiple cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur and Ahilyanagar, has successfully traced the real source of the leaked Physics, Chemistry and Biology questions that were circulated ahead of the exam. CBI officials said multiple special teams are working together to unearth the entire chain of conspiracy, and detailed forensic analysis of all seized digital evidence is currently underway to ensure a comprehensive and professional investigation.

Kumud Mishra He has already carved a niche for himself in theatre, films and OTT platforms, but the actor continues to explore new creative avenues. Debuting in Gujarati cinema from bartendersHe gave a brief but impressive performance, confirming his belief that “Agar script Is it good, So medium Then Language doesn’t matter” Kumud, who was in Vadodara for the play smokingTalks about theater, carefully selecting scripts, and much more.‘Theatre still values ​​stories and craft over numbers’Kumud believes that the priorities of both creators and audiences have changed. He says, “Today, every art is judged by the number of people who see it. A few years ago, after watching a film, the conversation revolved around cinema itself – was the film good, how was the story, the making, the production, etc. But now the discussion is only about how much it will earn or how it will perform at the box office, all in crores. Unfortunately, even today the audience focuses more on discussing everything related to the work rather than the craft, which is sad.He adds, “However, there is still that unique space in theater where the discussions about style, story, challenges and creative process keep it exciting for me. Of course, there are economic considerations, but our focus remains on making plays that audiences really enjoy and are also creatively satisfying for us. I also enjoy the fact that new directors and actors keep joining the group.”‘You can fail in theater without fear’Today, working extensively on OTT platforms and films, Kumud is deeply involved in theatre. “I never left theatre, nor did I feel like leaving it,” he says. If you feel like you’re holding on to something, it stops working—but theater was never like that for me. It is a necessity in my life. This was long before films, OTT or any such ambitions entered my mind. Theater has given me everything I have as an actor today, and it still gives me the freedom to experiment fearlessly. You can fail in theater without fear. The focus is on experimenting with the content, not the money associated with it.”‘I read the script in one go before saying yes’When asked how he chooses projects, he said, “The truth is I have a lot of work Proposal doesn’t happen. whatever happens, out of that I choose. When I read a script, I finish it in one go and can clearly see that world spinning before my eyes. Even if it’s a script for a web show, say 300-400 pages, I’ll still read the entire thing. People may find it amusing, but I see it as part of my job. There may be other reasons as well, such as a desire to collaborate with a particular filmmaker, but the script remains the most important factor.Talking about adopting the characters, Kumud says, “I don’t just portray the characters that are given to me – I become them. Be it a billionaire or a policeman, to me they are all real people. I don’t imitate them; I step into their lives. What really makes a character stand out is their place within the story and the way they react to the situations around them. I have always believed that an actor should play the role. So, I have undergone a physical transformation for my character. Asi. I needed to look lean for this role. In theatre, this is not a big issue because there you 40 despite being a bastard 17 brother-in-law’s son Character can doAnd vice versa. But in films you cannot deceive the audience, so casting becomes extremely important.‘Hoping to do more Gujarati films’talking about bartendersHe shares, “Abhishek (director) is a dear friend, and I loved the scripts too. Some scripts are so good that you just want to be associated with them in some way. I also enjoyed the way this industry works. It felt like I was part of a family. Everyone worked with a lot of focus and dedication, which was heart-touching. Also, while we have always seen (Devan) Bhojani doing comedy, seeing him play such an intense character was quite an experience.” Was. We talked a lot and had a lot of fun.”He says, “I wish I had the opportunity to learn and speak more Gujarati, because as artistes, we always feel the need to completely understand a language and its nuances. I hope people will appreciate my work and I will get more opportunities to work in Gujarati films.”‘Barodians are warm and welcoming’Talking about Vadodara, he says, “My experience in Gujarat has always been wonderful. I have visited Ahmedabad many times, and we also perform regularly in Vadodara. This time in Vadodara, it was a unique experience because we were performing in a new venue, for an audience that was completely new to us. Vadodara has long been known as a vibrant and thriving center for the arts. I first visited the city several years ago. Visited when my brother was working there. He liked the city so much that he eventually bought a house there, which later became my base. “The people are incredibly warm and welcoming, making you immediately feel at home, as if you’ve known them forever.”

The next few years are expected to reshape parts of the global wealth map in ways that do not always match familiar economic narratives. Some of the fastest movements in the billionaire population are projected to occur outside the typical Western centres, with changes associated with capital flows, policy changes, technological expansion and regional investment cycles. Some countries show unusually sharp percentage jumps rather than steady growth, indicating concentrated bursts of wealth creation rather than slow accumulation. The pattern is not uniform, and it does not follow a single model of development. Instead, it looks like a scattered boom across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, each driven by different local engines and timing effects.As reported by the World of Statistics (ex Twitter) post, projections for 2026-2031 highlight a sharp increase in the billionaire population, with selected global economies expected to have the fastest growing number of billionaires by 2031.

Countries with fastest growing number of billionaires by 2031

Countries with the Highest Growth Rate of Billionaires Expected

saudi arabia

Saudi Arabia stands out with a leap that is far ahead of the rest of the list. This shift is often linked to ongoing economic diversification, where oil-related assets are increasingly deployed into new sectors such as logistics, tourism and large-scale infrastructure. Private capital is moving into areas that previously did not attract that level of attention.What makes this figure unusual is not just the shape but also the movement inherent in it. This suggests a relatively compact base of high-net-worth individuals that is growing rapidly rather than a broad, gradual spread.

poland

Poland ranked unexpectedly high due to a mix of manufacturing strength, technology outsourcing and deep integration with European supply chains. Wealth creation here feels less tied to old industries and more to new business structures, often as medium-sized companies enter global markets.There is also a sense of time. Capital that once flowed westward within Europe has begun to circulate more locally, allowing domestic entrepreneurs to maintain larger stakes in growing companies.

sweden

Sweden is showing steady growth rather than rapid disruption. Much of its billionaire growth is tied to technology, green industries, and export-heavy industrial clusters that have long operated internationally.The pattern here is less about sudden emergence and more about existing companies continuing to compound value in quiet ways. Ownership structures also matter, with long-standing family or founder shares increasing in value over time.

Australia

Australia represents a combination that is becoming increasingly visible: traditional resource wealth coupled with a growing technology sector. The luck associated with mining still plays a role, but new wealth clusters are forming around fintech, biotech and digital platforms.The growth rate suggests a system where capital cycles between old and new sectors without complete replacement. This overlap seems to be working quite well.

denmark

Denmark does not typically feature heavily in the global wealth discussion, yet the projected growth points to strong performance in companies involved in specialized industrial design, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.It is a relatively small economy, which may exaggerate percentage movements, but the underlying businesses tend to be globally rather than domestic-facing.

Japan

Japan shows a more modest climb than emerging markets, but it is still notable given the already established wealth base. This shift is often linked to the impact of corporate restructuring, new shareholder focus and the gradual reopening of parts of its economy.Here wealth creation proceeds through large corporate ecosystems rather than fast-moving startup cycles.

Mexico

Mexico shows a mix of manufacturing expansion, particularly tied to near-term trends, and long-standing industrial houses expanding their reach. Proximity to US supply chains has changed investment patterns in subtle but persistent ways.Growth is not spread evenly, with some regions and sectors growing while others remain stagnant.

philippines

The Philippines is benefiting from service-based expansion, including outsourcing, remittance-linked consumption, and a gradually growing digital economy.Wealth accumulation here is often linked to service networks rather than heavy industry, giving it a different rhythm than resource-based economies.

norway

Norway shows more modest growth, shaped by energy-related capital and sovereign wealth effects. While not explosive, it remains stable, with wealth often concentrated in long-term holdings rather than rapidly traded sectors.

India

India features in the list with a lower percentage growth than some peers, albeit with a much larger base of entrepreneurs and family wealth. Technology services, digital platforms and manufacturing expansion all contribute to this movement.Growth feels distributed rather than concentrated, causing percentage changes to often be over-measured even if the absolute numbers are important.

Delhi government to launch CBDC-based smart ration distribution system for greater transparency and consumer choice

New Delhi: In a major welfare-oriented decision aimed at expanding food security coverage in the national capital, the Delhi Cabinet has approved a proposal to increase the annual income eligibility limit for ration cards under the Public Distribution System (PDS) from Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh.The decision is expected to benefit lakhs of families across Delhi who were earlier excluded due to low income limits, a release said.Speaking on the Cabinet decision, Food and Supplies Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that the Delhi government under CM Rekha Gupta is also working towards implementing a CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) enabled ration distribution mechanism.Under this system, financial assistance for ration will be deposited directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries, allowing them to purchase ration as per requirement through digital currency at ration shops.“This will increase transparency and eliminate mismanagement in the system,” Sirsa said.The minister said the proposed CBDC-based model will be gradually implemented at ration shops and integrated with banking systems, including private banks, in the future. The initiative aims to ensure efficient delivery of benefits, reduce leakages and empower beneficiaries to access food supplies with greater flexibility and dignity.CBDC in the PDS system refers to the use of central bank digital currency to deliver food subsidy benefits to beneficiaries, instead of relying only on physical food grain distribution through Fair Price Shops (FPS) or unrestricted cash transfers to bank accounts. CBDC is a digital form of sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India and has the same legal status as physical currency.Under the proposed CBDC-based PDS model, the government will calculate the subsidy equivalent to the entitled food grain and transfer the amount to the CBDC wallet of the beneficiary. Beneficiaries will be able to purchase ration from authorized FPS shops after authentication through Aadhaar/e-POS system, wherein all transactions will be digitally recorded and adjusted for greater accountability.The CBDC-enabled PDS model is expected to make the system more transparent, portable and citizen-friendly, the release said. This mechanism will provide beneficiaries greater flexibility in choosing authorized outlets, real-time visibility of subsidy eligibility and transaction history and a robust grievance redressal framework through digitally traceable records.This model is also expected to reduce disputes at FPS levels, strengthen audit trails, improve monitoring of subsidy utilization and simplify reconciliation processes.CM Rekha Gupta had earlier talked about increasing the income limit for ration card eligibility in Delhi.To benefit more and more low-income families, the income eligibility limit has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.2 lakh and now to Rs 2.5 lakh.“Earlier, the income eligibility for a ration card was very low. Today, even an annual income of Rs 1 lakh is below the minimum wage level for a family. Keeping this in mind, the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government has increased the income limit to Rs 2.5 lakh so that more eligible families can avail subsidized ration under the PDS system,” Sirsa said.“The Delhi government under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is also working towards implementing a CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency)-enabled ration distribution mechanism,” he said.He said, “Under this system, financial assistance for ration will be deposited directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries, enabling them to purchase ration as per requirement through digital currency at ration shops. This will increase transparency and eliminate mismanagement in the system.”

TimesofIndia.com in Dharamshala: On the eve of IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans (GT), the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar He said that he wants to change a perception about him that he likes to play spinners; Instead, he believes his game is more suited to fast bowlers.He had said, “This year I have dominated fast bowlers more. There is a perception about me that I play spinners better. But if anyone asks me, I always say that I like fast bowlers.” And the numbers don’t lie. Patidar has hit 41 sixes in this year’s IPL, 27 of which have been against fast bowlers. He has scored 486 runs in 14 matches, but the statistics do not fully reflect the impact he has made. Batting at number 4, he has scored five half-centuries and scored runs at a strike rate of 196.76.On Tuesday evening, before the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala lit up with a laser show, it was Patidar who set the stage on fire. The 32-year-old player performed one of the most brilliant innings of the season, scoring a brilliant 93 runs in 33 balls. It was an innings built on timing and relentless intent. He hit nine sky-high sixes, seven of which were against fast bowlers. Among them, Kagiso Rabada had an extraordinary hit in the seventh over. The right-handed batsman made a comeback and easily lofted a good length delivery over cover for a maximum. It was a stroke that perfectly reflected the confidence and authority with which he batted. Patidar’s innings did not explode immediately. He worked his way through the start with measured singles and calm accumulation, rotating the strike while allowing the innings to settle. At that time, RCB had lost two set batsmen in quick succession in the form of Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli. Patidar’s approach was one of patience rather than immediate aggression.His first significant statement came in the 11th over when Jason Holder dropped short and Patidar immediately shifted his weight onto the backfoot and pulled the ball deep into the stands over mid-wicket. This shot not only completed RCB’s century but also reduced the pressure that was building.There were also moments of good fortune. In the 12th over, against Prasidh Krishna, a big shot attempt took an inside edge which went past Jos Buttler, resulting in a bye. Soon after, Patidar survived a major scare when a leading edge flew over the wicketkeeper’s head and fell safely among the gathered fielders. In the same over, a pull shot almost ended his innings but Rabada gave a direct chance in the deep.

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Rajat Patidar plays a shot during the Indian Premier League 2026 Qualifier 1 match against Gujarat Titans at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday. (ANI)

Those moments proved costly for GT.Patidar started scoring runs rapidly against Kulwant Khejroliya in the 15th over. An ill-timed stroke reached the ropes, before he used the angle of the delivery brilliantly to hit a stylish six over long leg. He finished the over by clearing the ropes again and then finding the boundary, collecting 28 runs in a pace-change that strongly turned the contest.The spinners also did not get any relief.Rashid Khan, usually one of the toughest bowlers to dominate, became Patidar’s next target. A slightly shorter delivery disappeared over long-on, dancing with the spin and hitting it with complete freedom, before Patidar finished the over with a brilliant inside-out six over cover.The attack against Rabada intensified. Patidar brought up a blistering half-century off just 21 balls with a ferocious pull over deep midwicket and then immediately followed it up with that brilliant back-foot drive over cover. Some batsmen attempt this type of stroke against fast pace; Even fewer execute it so cleanly.

Till this situation, Patidar looked invincible.The next loss was to Mohammed Siraj. A wide full toss was clipped over backward point for six runs, before another over-pitched delivery was launched for four runs. Patidar had entered a phase where almost every scoring opportunity became a boundary.In the last over of RCB’s innings, Prasidh Krishna felt the full force of Patidar’s final attack. A fulltoss on the hips went missing over backward square leg for six. Another powerful hit straight at the bowler took him into the nineties.Patidar almost single-handedly changed the momentum of the innings. He survived the pressure, rode his luck and then destroyed both pace and spin with equal authority. His 93 was more than just a collection of runs; This was a display of fearless batting.

Glenn Phillips (screengrab)

New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru completely defeated Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, winning by 92 runs after posting a massive score of 254/5. Rajat Patidar He played a brilliant inning of 93 unbeaten runs with the help of nine sixes and five fours in just 33 balls. Virat Kohli And Krunal Pandya also scored 43 runs as the GT bowlers struggled badly under pressure.Gujarat’s chase never really materialized as their top order collapsed early on. Shubman Gill, Sai Sudarshan and Jos Buttler were all out cheaply, leaving the team with a lot to do. Ultimately GT was out for 162 runs.Gujarat Titans batting after the match glen phillips Attended the press conference despite not being part of the playing eleven. During the conversation, a reporter asked whether GT had mentally given up after seeing RCB score 254. This question apparently troubled Phillips, who strongly rejected the suggestion.“It’s a silly question. It’s a really silly question. No one goes out there waiting to be like, ‘Oh, you know what? We’ll just drop it.’ Why would we do this as professional cricketers? It’s a terrible question,” he told reporters.“We went out there, we did everything. Unfortunately, when you’re trying to chase 250, everything has to be perfect. And we went out there to try to do everything right, and obviously that didn’t happen.”Phillips said that chasing such a big score always creates pressure and every small mistake becomes costly.Phillips acknowledged that scoreboard pressure played a large role in the collapse but insisted that the team gave its all on the field.“There’s huge scoreboard pressure when you’re trying to chase 250. And, you know, very few teams have done that,” he said.