mega deals

India is set to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France in a significant government-to-government deal worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore. While 18 will be fly-away, 96 will be manufactured in India. This acquisition aims to bolster the Indian Air Force's depleted squadron strength, though indigenous programs like Tejas Mk2 and AMCA are crucial for long-term security against evolving threats.

Following Iran's downing of a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump ordered retaliatory strikes on Iranian air defense systems. This escalation intensifies months of Middle East tensions, disrupting shipping and raising global energy prices. Iran vowed a "decisive response," casting doubt on ceasefire efforts amid ongoing regional hostilities.

Cristiano Ronaldo has already achieved almost everything in football. The Portuguese superstar has won major trophies except the FIFA World Cup. He has broken countless records, and built one of the largest fortunes in sports history. Reports by Forbes estimate that his net worth in 2026 stands at $1.2 billion. Some financial rankings even place him at the higher end of that range. The milestone made him the first footballer ever to become a billionaire while still being active in the sport.

India's ODI team begins World Cup preparations amid dressing room dynamics concerns. Shubman Gill's captaincy has seen mixed results, with senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli facing questions about their future. Head coach Gautam Gambhir needs to assert authority in the ODI format to align the team for the 2027 tournament.

Anthony Joshua gave a blunt response when asked if Jake Paul’s boxing career could be over after their damaging 2025 fight. While Paul continues teasing a fight against Canelo Alvarez, Joshua is concentrating on his July return against Kristian Prenga and a possible blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury later in 2026.

In a groundbreaking year-long creatine journey documented by YouTuber Pierre Dalati, the aftermath of stopping supplementation yielded unexpected insights. Although he noticed a modest decrease in strength and recovery times, Dalati was pleased to report minimal muscle loss and no severe withdrawal effects.

Nick Jonas is celebrating wife Priyanka Chopra's grand return to Indian cinema with the highly anticipated film 'Varanasi'. He shared his excitement on the Smartless Podcast, highlighting her significant role in the SS Rajamouli directorial and her extensive prior filmography.

Yuzvendra Chahal revealed quitting alcohol was the best decision of his life, leading to a significant positive change. He now focuses more on himself, family, and friends, understanding his support system better. This move came after a period of depression and mental health struggles, prompting him to seek a healthier path.

India's prestigious UPSC exam mirrors global elite recruitment systems for bureaucracy. From ancient China's keju to modern UK's Fast Stream and France's ENA, nations seek sharp minds for government. While methods vary, from written tests to leadership assessments, the pursuit of influential public service roles remains a universal ambition, demanding diverse skills beyond academics.

Floyd Mayweather Jr once became boxing’s biggest financial success story through smart business moves and record-breaking fights. But in 2026, reports about lawsuits, tax debt, unpaid revenue claims, and exhibition fights have raised fresh questions about the true state of his billion-dollar empire and luxurious lifestyle despite his historic earnings and massive global fame.

French luxury giant LVMH is selling its stake in Marc Jacobs for Rs 7,090 crore to a joint venture of WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group. While LVMH shifts focus to heritage brands, Marc Jacobs remains Creative Director. This marks a significant shift in the luxury market's strategy, with brand managers taking a larger role.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Afsluitdijk dam in the Netherlands highlighted Dutch expertise in water management, relevant to India's ambitious Kalpasar Project. This mega-project aims to create a freshwater reservoir in Gujarat, addressing water scarcity and flood protection, mirroring the multi-functional Dutch approach to climate resilience.

The Chicago Blackhawks are prioritizing a long-term contract extension for star forward Connor Bedard before his restricted free agency. Analysts suggest a maximum-term deal is advisable to avoid future cost increases as the salary cap rises. Bedard, who just completed his entry-level contract, had a standout season with career highs in points, goals, and assists.