Wildfires Destroy Homes and Force Evacuations Across Central England

4 dead as ‘unprecedented’ rain floods Japan, strands thousands at Narita Airport

Gen Z Spends Only 5% on Travel, Prioritises Utilities Over Big Purchases

A recent study has revealed that Generation Z consumers are largely avoiding major lifestyle purchases, allocating just 5% of their spending to travel. The cohort appears to favour essential and recurring expenses over discretionary big-ticket items. The findings also highlight a significant shift toward digital payment methods, with UPI and AutoPay gaining strong traction among Gen Z users. These tools are primarily being used to manage utilities, financial services, and digital subscriptions. The study reflects a broader trend of financially cautious and digitally native spending behaviour among younger consumers.

Crude Oil Prices Tick Up as US Threatens Naval Blockade on Iran

Oil prices edged higher on Friday amid fresh concerns over global crude supply. The United States threatened an indefinite naval blockade against Iran, intensifying economic pressure on Tehran. This move raised fears of possible disruptions to oil shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz. However, price gains were kept in check by weaker demand outlooks and growing US oil stockpiles. The market remains in a delicate balance as opposing supply and demand forces continue to offset each other.

Gary Kirsten backs Gautam Gambhir amid criticism, calls him a fantastic coach

Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten has publicly expressed his support for India's under-pressure coach Gautam Gambhir. Kirsten praised Gambhir's strong record as both a player and a coach, highlighting his deep understanding of cricket. The remarks come at a time when Gambhir has faced scrutiny over India's recent performances. Kirsten also spoke about Sri Lanka's focus on skill development and voiced his support for longer Test series. He additionally noted the positive atmosphere created by allowing fans free entry to matches.