India

Congress questions job creation as India posts 7.8% GDP growth in Q1

India's economy expanded by 7.8 percent in the April-June quarter, prompting a political debate over the quality of growth. Prime Minister Modi praised the performance as an extraordinary achievement. However, the Congress party challenged the government, questioning whether the growth was translating into jobs and improved living standards. Opposition leaders raised concerns about sluggish investment, weak consumer confidence, and rising unemployment. They also pointed to declining real wages as evidence that economic gains were not reaching ordinary citizens.

India Calls for End to Russia-Ukraine War After Modi's Message to Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to move beyond what he called an 'endless war' toward an actual end to the conflict. Modi stressed that every day of continued warfare sets humanity back, signaling India's concern over the prolonged crisis. India's Foreign Ministry echoed this stance to NDTV, emphasizing the need to transition from ongoing hostilities to a resolution. The remarks reflect India's consistent diplomatic position of advocating for dialogue and peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Pakistan Cricket Board releases 7 players, reshuffles coaching staff ahead of third Test

The Pakistan Cricket Board has overhauled its squad and coaching setup following a series of poor results. Seven players have been released, and coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul have been removed from their positions. Five uncapped players have been added to freshen up the squad. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will take charge of coaching duties as Pakistan prepares for the third Test against England at Edgbaston.

Aaron Donald Comes Out of Retirement to Rejoin LA Rams for 2026 Season

NFL defensive legend Aaron Donald has ended his retirement to return to the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 season. He will partner with edge rusher Myles Garrett, forming what could be one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the league. The pairing is expected to significantly bolster the Rams' defensive unit and pose a serious threat to opposing quarterbacks. The Rams are eyeing a Super Bowl title, with the added motivation of potentially winning it at their home stadium. The reunion has reignited excitement among the team's fanbase ahead of the upcoming season.

‘No jurisdiction’: India rejects international court’s order on Indus Water Treaty

Egyptian researchers find eggshell powder in clay bricks boosts heat insulation

Researchers in Egypt have developed fired clay bricks incorporating eggshell waste as a sustainable building material. Adding ten percent eggshell powder to the bricks significantly reduced heat transfer by creating internal pores that improve insulation. The study highlights a practical way to recycle eggshell waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. This approach also reduces the demand for raw materials used in conventional brick production. The findings present a dual benefit of addressing waste management while improving the energy efficiency of buildings.

New US Missile Used Against Iran Killed Civilians Near Blast Site, Report Finds

The United States deployed a new missile in combat for the first time on February 28 in a strike against Iran. According to an Associated Press report, the weapon appeared to spray pellets across a wide area upon detonation. Monitoring non-profit Airwars and defence experts contributed findings to the report. Civilians were reportedly killed as close as 50 metres from the blast site. The incident has raised concerns about the weapon's potential impact on non-combatants in densely populated areas.

Vance: Trump's Kharg Island post was deliberate signal to Tehran

US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Donald Trump's social media post referencing Kharg Island was intended as a strategic message to Iran. American military officials clarified that no actual strikes took place on Kharg Island overnight. An Iranian official publicly dismissed Trump's post as lacking credibility. Separately, US forces did carry out strikes on two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island. The escalating exchanges have reignited concerns over security in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Court rules bank must pay full jewellery value after pledged gold stolen in robbery

A legal case has established what compensation a borrower is entitled to when gold jewellery pledged for a loan is stolen from a bank. The central dispute was whether the bank's liability should cover only the raw metal value or also include making charges and the value of any embedded stones. The borrower argued that the jewellery's full worth — beyond just its gold content — should be reimbursed. The court ultimately ruled in favour of the borrower, setting a precedent for how banks must value and compensate pledged jewellery in the event of theft.

India's Monsoon Masks Regional Deficits Behind Uneven Rainfall Patterns

India's monsoon season this year has been marked by highly uneven distribution of rainfall across different regions. While some areas have experienced excessive rain leading to waterlogging and flooding, others have faced significant deficits with little to no precipitation. This erratic pattern means that overall national rainfall figures may appear adequate while masking severe shortages in specific regions. The alternating dry spells and heavy downpours have created contrasting challenges for communities across the country.

US Woman Missing in Nepal After Floods Struck Her Kailash Pilgrimage Route

An American woman undertaking a pilgrimage to Kailash has gone missing following devastating floods in Nepal. Her family, including son Riley Wildeman and daughter-in-law Lauren Wildeman, made repeated attempts to contact her after news of the flooding broke. Unable to reach her, the family escalated their efforts by approaching authorities, rescue teams, and the media for assistance. The incident highlights the dangers faced by pilgrims and travelers in Nepal's flood-prone regions.

Modi and Putin Share a Carpool Ride at Nomad Games After Bilateral Meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin carpooled together following their bilateral meeting at the Nomad Games. The two leaders were seen sharing a ride, continuing a tradition of informal moments between them. This is not the first time they have shared a vehicle, as they previously rode together in Putin's Aurus limousine in Tianjin, China, during the SCO summit last year. Such gestures are seen as reflecting the close personal rapport between the two leaders.

Social activist Anna Hazare admitted to hospital in Mumbai

Mumbai Police Bust Multi-Crore Racket Tampering Expiry Dates on Popular Food Brands

Mumbai authorities have uncovered a large-scale racket involving the tampering of expiry dates on widely consumed food and beverage products. Brands affected include Lay's, Kurkure, Maggi, Knorr, Rasoi, Hellmann's, Thums Up, and Limca. The fraudulent operation is estimated to be worth several crores of rupees. Criminals were allegedly altering manufacturing or expiry date labels to pass off expired products as fresh stock. The bust highlights serious food safety concerns for consumers across the region.

In eye of storm, Rajasthan Chief Justice opts out of hearing cases

Valuables inside treasure trove safe, match 1978 inventory: Jagannath Temple officials

NCLT Deadlock Delays Resolution of Subhash Chandra's Rs 22,000 Crore Debt

A tribunal dispute has emerged over the proposed restructuring of media mogul Subhash Chandra's Rs 22,000 crore debt. The matter has reached a deadlock at the National Company Law Tribunal due to a difference of opinion among its members. The case has been referred back to the NCLT President to resolve the impasse. The President holds the authority to either appoint a third member or issue a decisive order to establish a majority view. The development adds further uncertainty to the debt resolution process involving Chandra.

Centre defers Census in Manipur following ‘NRC first’ demand by civil society groups

Lionel Messi Retires from International Football at 39 After Two-Decade Career

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an end to an era spanning nearly two decades with the Argentine national team. During his tenure, Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America and the historic 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also guided the team to the final of the 2026 World Cup before stepping away from international duty. His exit marks an emotional conclusion to one of the most celebrated careers in football history.

1,800 Volunteers Relocate 400-Ton Japanese Castle Keep Using Traditional Methods

Around 1,800 volunteers in Japan successfully moved a historic castle keep weighing approximately 400 tons using traditional techniques. The relocation marks a significant milestone in a restoration project that has been underway for over a decade. The castle keep has been repositioned closer to its original stone foundation as part of the ongoing work. The process uncovered archaeological finds beneath the structure, including ancient drainage systems and remnants of earlier walls. The castle is expected to be fully reopened to visitors by 2033.