India

CRPF Chief Urges Personnel to Perform Duty Fearlessly, Pledges Full Backing

CRPF Director General has called on personnel to carry out their duties without fear, assuring them of his full backing and accountability. The paramilitary force maintains a nationwide presence and is recognized for its adaptability across varied operational environments. The CRPF regularly works in coordination with state police forces across different regions of India. The chief's remarks are seen as a morale-boosting message aimed at reinforcing confidence among the force's personnel.

India records world's highest doping rate among major testing nations for third year

India logged 260 adverse analytical findings from 7,113 samples collected in 2024, according to WADA's 2024 Testing Figures Report released in December 2025. This translates to a positivity rate of 3.6%, the highest in the world among countries conducting more than 5,000 tests annually. Notably, this marks the third consecutive year that India has held this unwanted distinction. The findings highlight a deepening doping crisis that poses a serious threat to the credibility of Indian sport on the global stage.

India Retail Leasing Surges 20% in H1 2026, Fashion Sector Leads Demand

India's retail leasing market grew by 20% in the first half of 2026, marking a significant expansion phase for the sector. Fashion and apparel brands were the primary drivers of this growth, with food and beverage operators also contributing notably. Domestic retailers and direct-to-consumer brands spearheaded most of the leasing activity during this period. New property developments alongside aggressive retailer expansion fueled the overall momentum. Institutional investment in organized retail real estate is also expected to remain strong going forward.

UAE Has Invested Over $25 Billion in India Since 2000

The United Arab Emirates has channeled more than $25 billion into India since the year 2000. This figure represents nearly 70 percent of all Gulf region capital flowing into the country. Abu Dhabi has emerged as a particularly active investor, pumping billions into various Indian sectors. The scale of UAE investment signals growing economic ties between the Gulf nation and India, with potential implications for investors tracking emerging market opportunities.

Sensex Falls 115 Points as US-Iran Tensions Push Brent Crude to $90

Indian stock markets declined on July 30, with the Sensex dropping 115 points amid renewed geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Fresh strikes linked to the Iran conflict rattled investor sentiment across global markets. Rising crude oil prices added to the pressure, with Brent Crude climbing to $90 per barrel. Higher oil prices are a concern for India, which is heavily dependent on crude imports, as they can fuel inflation and widen the trade deficit.

Samsung Posts Record Quarterly Profit Driven by Surging AI Chip Demand

Samsung Electronics reported its highest-ever quarterly operating profit, boosted by robust demand for artificial intelligence chips. Rival SK Hynix also posted record revenue in the same period, signaling broad strength across the semiconductor industry. Despite strong earnings, investor confidence dipped amid concerns over aggressive expansion plans and growing competition from Chinese chipmakers. Both Samsung and SK Hynix are channeling heavy investment into new chipmaking facilities and data centers to meet future demand. Global partnerships are also being forged to secure stable memory chip supplies for AI applications.

Lilian Weng returns to OpenAI weeks after stress-related resignation

Lilian Weng has rejoined OpenAI after briefly stepping down due to stress and illness. She had left to join Thinking Machines Lab before deciding to return. In her new role at OpenAI, she will work alongside CEO Sam Altman in a more structured and predictable capacity. Her return highlights a broader trend of AI industry leaders stepping back from high-pressure roles due to health concerns. The move also reflects the continued circulation of top talent among leading AI organizations.

Congress presses Amit Shah for answers over alleged July 20 student protest crackdown

The Congress party has demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah respond to allegations surrounding a police action against student protesters on July 20. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi claimed that Shah either ordered or failed to prevent the crackdown, raising questions of culpability or incompetence. Gandhi's remarks have intensified political scrutiny on the Home Ministry over its handling of the protest. The BJP dismissed the allegations as false, defending Shah against the charges. The dispute adds to a broader ongoing political debate over the government's response to the student demonstrations.

Independent Report Uncovers Decades of Sexual Abuse at Epstein-Linked School

An independent investigation has uncovered widespread sexual misconduct at a school with ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Investigators documented 70 separate accounts of misconduct involving 47 staff members spanning six decades, from the 1950s through the 2010s. Among those named as alleged perpetrators was Epstein himself, identified by two women in their accounts. The report paints a troubling picture of systemic abuse that went unaddressed across multiple generations of students.

Israel Strikes Gaza Mosque Allegedly Used by Hamas for Weapons Storage

Israel carried out an airstrike on a mosque in the Gaza Strip, claiming Hamas was using the site to store weapons. The attack occurred despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that has been in place since October 2025. The truce has proven fragile, with violence continuing across Gaza even after it took effect. Since the ceasefire began, at least 1,207 people have been killed in the territory.

Amid row over pellet use, CRPF chief’s ‘work fearlessly’ message to troops

India’s first Vande Bharat freight train begins trial run, hits 145 kmph

Japan Earthquake Leaves 28 Dead, Thousands Without Power and Water

A powerful earthquake struck Japan, leaving at least 28 people dead in its aftermath. Two days after the disaster, thousands of residents remain without access to electricity and water. The widespread outages indicate significant damage to infrastructure across the affected region. Authorities are working to restore essential services and assist those impacted by the quake.

Supreme Court: Consumers Need Not Prove Fault in Lift Accident Cases

The Supreme Court of India has issued a significant ruling regarding liability in elevator accidents. The court held that consumers cannot be burdened with the task of determining the degree of fault of each party involved in a lift accident. The ruling addresses the complexity of shared responsibility among manufacturers, maintenance firms, and building owners. This landmark order is expected to strengthen consumer protection rights in cases involving elevator mishaps across the country.

India Rejects New York Times' Terminology on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

India has strongly criticized The New York Times for using what it called misleading and incorrect terminology when referring to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian government reiterated its firm position that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India. New Delhi objected to the American publication's choice of language, which it said misrepresented India's sovereign claim over the region. India has consistently maintained this stance on the disputed territory, rejecting any framing that suggests otherwise.

Saltburn Cricket Club suspends 'Clicky Ponting' player over fake edge controversy

Saltburn Cricket Club in England has suspended a player after he was accused of clicking his fingers to simulate a batting edge during a local league match. The incident was captured on video and shared on X, where it garnered over 7.5 million views and drew widespread criticism. The player, who earned the nickname 'Clicky Ponting' following the controversy, remains suspended while an investigation is underway. The club stated it is fully cooperating with the ongoing inquiry into the alleged act of cheating.

Union Minister Bhagirath Choudhary Repaid Farm Subsidy, Government Tells Parliament

The Indian government informed Parliament that Union Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary, who also serves as MP from Ajmer, Rajasthan, had received farm financial assistance in 2026 and subsequently returned it. Fellow Rajasthan MP Lumba Ram of Sirohi had similarly received the subsidy in 2025. The disclosure came as part of an official list presented to Parliament detailing lawmakers who had availed agricultural financial assistance. The government's statement addressed questions around elected representatives benefiting from farm subsidy schemes meant for farmers.

Calcutta High Court: Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN Cards Do Not Prove Citizenship

The Calcutta High Court has ruled that widely used identity documents such as Voter ID, Aadhaar, and PAN cards cannot be treated as proof of Indian citizenship. The court clarified that these documents serve as proof of identity and address, but do not establish a person's citizenship status. The ruling has significant implications for cases involving citizenship verification, particularly those related to the National Register of Citizens. The judgment underscores that citizenship must be established through separate legal documentation under the Citizenship Act.

Bankipur by-election: Voting begins for high-stake triangular contest in Bihar

Actress Kirti Kulhari loses Rs 2.4 lakh to cyber fraud in Mumbai

Bollywood actress Kirti Kulhari fell victim to cyber fraud in Mumbai, with unknown criminals making unauthorized transactions worth Rs 2,43,852 through her mobile phone and credit card. The fraudulent charges were processed within minutes while Kulhari was watching a show at a theatre in Andheri West. Upon discovering the breach, she promptly filed a complaint with the Mumbai police. The Cyber Cell has since registered the case and launched a formal investigation into the incident.