India

Microsoft Azure Crosses $100bn Mark as AI Demand Drives Strong Q4 Results

Microsoft reported robust fourth-quarter earnings, surpassing analyst estimates on the back of strong cloud and AI growth. Azure cloud revenue crossed the $100 billion mark for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the company. Microsoft 365 Copilot, the company's AI productivity tool, now counts over 30 million paid users. The results reflect growing returns on Microsoft's heavy investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Following the earnings announcement, the company's stock rose notably in market trading.

Gold and Silver Prices Show Upward Trend; Dips Likely to Attract Buyers

Gold and silver prices are currently displaying positive momentum in the market. Abhilash Koikkara, Head of Forex and Commodities at Nuvama Professional Clients Group, shared his outlook on the two precious metals. According to Koikkara, any price dips in gold and silver are expected to draw in buyers. The analyst's comments suggest a broadly bullish sentiment surrounding both commodities in the near term.

Assam floods destroy Sivasagar village in an hour, death toll reaches 78

Hiloni Nepali Khuti village in Assam's Sivasagar district was completely devastated by severe flooding. Heavy rainfall in neighbouring Nagaland caused the Dikhow river to breach its banks, sending floodwaters into the area. The surging waters demolished homes and swept away nearly 4,000 cattle within a very short span of time. Many residents who depended on dairy farming have lost their primary source of livelihood. The overall flood death toll across Assam has climbed to 78, leaving survivors struggling to rebuild with little means at their disposal.

Bumrah, Gill on road to recovery ahead of busy cricket schedule

Indian cricketers Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill are both working their way back to full fitness, according to sources. Bumrah sustained an impact injury during India's ODI series in England and will gradually ramp up his bowling workload. Gill, meanwhile, is dealing with a chronic neck problem and has consulted specialists outside the BCCI medical setup. Both players are key members of the Indian side, making their fitness a matter of significant concern for team management.

Ukraine loses F-16 fighter jet in combat; pilot ejects safely

Ukraine's Air Force has confirmed the loss of an F-16 fighter jet during a combat mission against Russian attacks. The pilot managed to eject safely, and an investigation into the crash is currently underway. This is not the first F-16 loss Ukraine has suffered since the aircraft entered service with its military. Ukraine continues to face significant air defense challenges, including shortages of interceptor missiles amid sustained Russian strikes. Allies are being urged to maintain support to help bolster Ukraine's overall defense capabilities.

Jharkhand HC: Mental illness alone not enough ground for divorce

The Jharkhand High Court has ruled that a mental disorder by itself cannot justify granting a divorce. The court held that a spouse seeking divorce on such grounds must demonstrate that the illness makes reasonable cohabitation impossible. The ruling came while dismissing a husband's appeal who sought divorce citing his wife's alleged mental illness. The husband could not produce any medical evidence or expert testimony to substantiate his claims. The high court consequently upheld the family court's earlier decision to refuse dissolution of the marriage.

Russia Ballistic Missile Strike on Kyiv Kills 13, Zelenskyy Seeks More Air Defence

Russia carried out an overnight ballistic missile attack targeting Kyiv, resulting in explosions and at least 13 fatalities. In a retaliatory move, Ukraine's drone campaign struck Russian logistics infrastructure, including a major online retailer's warehouse. Poland activated fighter jets to safeguard its airspace amid the escalating missile strikes. President Zelenskyy urged allied nations to supply additional air defence missiles to bolster Ukraine's protection. The ongoing conflict continues to place significant pressure on Russia's economy and banking sector.

Neeraj Chopra eyes CWG 2026 gold in Glasgow amid stiff competition and injury concerns

Neeraj Chopra will compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, aiming to win his second javelin gold at the event. He faces a highly competitive field that includes rivals Arshad Nadeem, Anderson Peters, and Rumesh Tharanga. The Indian star is also returning from a back injury, raising questions about whether he can perform at his peak. His recent form has been underwhelming, having finished fourth at the Doha Diamond League. These combined challenges make his path to the podium significantly harder than in previous campaigns.

Fireball Over New Zealand Sparks Scientific Hunt for Meteorite Fragments

A bright fireball streaked across New Zealand's skies at extremely high speed, generating loud rumbles and vivid light displays visible to observers on the ground. Scientists have begun collecting data to study the rare celestial event. Specialised cameras are being used to map the meteor's exact flight trajectory. Researchers hope the findings could offer insights into the origins of the solar system. Members of the public have been asked to help by searching for any meteorite fragments that may have landed nearby.

Zuckerberg's superintelligence op-ed rooted in $10B sting from Apple's iOS 14.5 change

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg published a lengthy op-ed in the Wall Street Journal arguing against concentrated technological power, but analysts trace its core message back to a pivotal Apple policy change. Apple's iOS 14.5 App Tracking Transparency feature, introduced five years ago, cost Meta an estimated $10 billion in revenue. The fallout also triggered a 26.4% stock crash that wiped out approximately $232 billion in market value. That experience appears to have shaped Meta's current strategy, including its open-weight Llama AI models and heavy artificial intelligence investment. Observers see Zuckerberg's push against platform control as a direct response to the vulnerability Meta exposed when dependent on Apple's ecosystem.

Karnataka HC Warns Against Appeasing Illegal Immigrants, Citing National Security

The Karnataka High Court raised serious concerns about illegal immigration, stating that national security must not be compromised. A judge questioned why a criminal case was filed against the complainant rather than the suspected illegal immigrant in question. The court noted that the investigating officer had himself recommended action against the suspected illegal immigrant, making the reversal of roles troubling. The bench emphasized that authorities should not adopt an appeasement approach when dealing with individuals suspected of entering the country illegally.

Karnataka HC: Judges Must Show Dignity Inside and Outside Courtroom

A Karnataka High Court judge has stressed that holding judicial office does not give judges the right to behave arrogantly. The judge emphasized that maintaining public trust is a core responsibility that extends beyond the courtroom. Judges are expected to uphold dignity in their personal conduct as much as in their official duties. The remarks highlight growing attention to the behavioral standards expected of members of the judiciary.

Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from international cricket

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has officially retired from international cricket, announcing the decision via a video message on Instagram. Over his career, he represented India across all three formats, featuring in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is. Rahane earned widespread recognition for his role in India's memorable Test series victory in Australia during the 2020-21 season. He signed off with the reference 'Cap 278', denoting his Test cap number for India.

Elon Musk Revives America PAC to Boost Republican Turnout in 2026 Midterms

Elon Musk is reactivating his political action committee, America PAC, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The group previously spent over $260 million supporting Donald Trump's successful 2024 presidential campaign. For the upcoming cycle, America PAC will concentrate on driving Republican voter turnout through various outreach strategies. The organization also intends to partner with other GOP groups to amplify its impact. Musk's renewed involvement points to a major financial commitment toward Republican midterm objectives.

Blog: Students Protest: 5 Lessons Delhi Police Can Learn From Mumbai Police

'Even Mughals called Shivaji a chuha': Uddhav likens Gen Z to Maratha warrior

India news Live Updates, 30 July 2026: Voting underway in Bankipur, Datia and Manjalpur bypolls — Prashant Kishor makes his electoral debut

Amazon raises $25bn in bonds to fund major AI data center expansion

Amazon has completed a $25 billion bond sale to finance a large-scale expansion of its artificial intelligence infrastructure. CEO Andy Jassy has described AI as a rare, defining technological opportunity that the company does not want to miss. The funds will be directed toward significant capital expenditure on AI data centers in the coming years. The move signals Amazon's long-term strategic commitment to establishing a dominant position in the AI sector.

750 Indian Schoolgirls Launch AzaadiSAT into Orbit After Early Setbacks

A group of 750 Indian schoolgirls from 75 schools across the country have successfully placed their AzaadiSAT satellite into Earth's orbit. The students contributed to building actual satellite components, which were integrated into an ISRO mission. The project overcame an initial setback before achieving its successful launch. AzaadiSAT is seen as a major milestone in encouraging girls to pursue STEM education in India.

Parliament Monsoon Session 2026 Day 9 Live Updates: Lok Sabha to consider Bill raising Supreme Court judges’ strength to 38