India
Antarctic subglacial lake lost 2 cubic km of water in three years, NASA data shows
Scientists have discovered a network of active lakes hidden beneath Antarctica's ice sheet that rapidly fill and drain over short periods. NASA satellite imagery detected subtle changes in the ice surface, revealing significant water movement below. One such lake was found to have lost approximately 2 cubic kilometres of water in just three years. These subglacial water systems directly affect the speed of ice streams and the overall mass balance of the Antarctic ice sheet. The findings highlight a surprisingly dynamic and previously unknown hydrological world beneath the frozen continent.
Mumbai ranks in global Work From Anywhere Index, beats London and Miami
Mumbai has become the only Indian city to feature in the global Work From Anywhere Index, outranking major cities like London and Miami. The city's appeal to remote professionals is driven by its competitive transport costs and a wide availability of flexible workspaces. Mumbai also leads across Asia as India's flexible workspace market continues to expand at a rapid pace. The growing adoption of Work From Anywhere policies has encouraged professionals to blend travel with work, leading to longer trips that accommodate remote tasks.
Jharkhand MLA Jairam Mahto booked after video shows alleged abuse of cop
A video purportedly showing Dumri MLA Jairam Mahto using abusive language against a police officer has gone viral on social media. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute that escalated at a police station. According to police sources, the conversation was recorded by the station officer during the altercation. An FIR has since been registered against the MLA along with nine other individuals. Police have not yet officially confirmed the authenticity of the circulating video.
Xi Jinping Expected to Attend India BRICS Summit With 400-Strong Delegation
Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly planning to visit India for the upcoming BRICS Summit, according to two sources familiar with the matter. He is expected to be accompanied by a delegation of approximately 400 officials. This would be a significant increase compared to his last visit in 2019, when his entourage comprised fewer than 200 officials. The reported visit would mark Xi's return to India for the first time in several years, coinciding with the high-profile multilateral gathering.

Hyderabad Student Dies by Suicide at US University Amid Job Search Stress
Pradeep, a student from Dammaiguda in Hyderabad, died by suicide in the United States. He had travelled to the US in 2024 to pursue a master's degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Reports indicate he was under significant stress over his inability to secure employment. The incident has drawn attention to the mental health pressures faced by Indian students studying abroad.

SIP Assets Triple to Rs 14.83 Lakh Crore in Five Years, B30 Cities Surge
Assets under management through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have more than tripled over the past five years in India. SIP assets grew from Rs 4.25 lakh crore in March 2021 to Rs 14.83 lakh crore by March 2026. The growth reflects a significant shift in the mutual fund investor base across the country. Notably, participation from smaller cities beyond the top 30, known as B30 cities, has also seen a notable rise during this period.

Anthropic bars salary negotiation and tests candidates on safety-over-profit values
Anthropic, the AI company behind the Claude model, follows a fixed compensation policy under which candidates receive a non-negotiable salary offer. In addition to standard hiring rounds, every applicant must go through a culture interview designed to assess their commitment to the company's safety mission. A key question in that interview asks whether the candidate would accept their stock becoming worthless if it were necessary for safety reasons. CEO Dario Amodei introduced this screening because he is concerned that some new hires may be motivated primarily by financial gain rather than the company's core mission.
Gurgaon Floods Strand Children in School Buses for Over 7 Hours
Heavy monsoon rainfall triggered severe flooding across Gurgaon on Monday, leaving multiple school buses stranded on waterlogged roads. Students were trapped inside the buses for more than seven hours, causing widespread distress among families. Parents monitored the situation anxiously through messaging groups while struggling to reach their children. Some parents waded through deep floodwaters to personally retrieve their children from the stranded vehicles. The incident has renewed concerns over the city's persistent infrastructure shortcomings during heavy rainfall.
US Proposes $103,265 H-1B Fee; VP Vance Urges Hiring American Workers
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new fee of $103,265 for H-1B visa petitions, intended to cover the government's costs of administering the immigration system. Vice President JD Vance has backed the proposal, stressing the need to prioritize hiring and training American workers over foreign talent. Indian professionals, who form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders, stand to be significantly affected if the rule is enacted. The proposal is currently open for public feedback, with a 30-day window for comments before any final decision is made.
Allahabad HC rejects UP student's plea to wear hijab in school
The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition filed by a UP student seeking permission to wear a hijab along with her school uniform. The court ruled that there was no sufficient evidence to establish that wearing a headscarf is an essential religious practice in Islam. Photographic evidence presented before the bench showed that no other students, including those from the same community, wore headscarves in school. The court also noted an absence of factual basis to support the claim of religious necessity. Earlier rulings by the same High Court had similarly held that the hijab is not integral to the practice of Islam.
Delhi Master Plan 2047 targets 40 lakh affordable homes via land pooling
Delhi's Master Plan 2047 outlines a broad urban development strategy aimed at reshaping the capital over the coming decades. The plan proposes the creation of approximately 40 lakh affordable housing units to address the city's growing housing demand. Land pooling is among the key mechanisms proposed to expand urban infrastructure and improve accessibility across the city. The plan also seeks to revitalize existing neighborhoods while opening up undeveloped areas for planned growth. Additionally, unauthorized colonies are set to be regularized, offering residents greater security in property ownership.
Atherton, 21 cricketers appeal for Imran Khan's medical care in prison
Former England cricket captain Michael Atherton has joined 21 international cricketers in launching an appeal for proper medical treatment for jailed ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Atherton expressed concern that the Pakistani state had attempted to erase Khan's public standing and legacy. Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev also weighed in, stressing the basic rights of prisoners to adequate healthcare and dignity. Dev was careful to note that his appeal was not intended as interference in Pakistan's judicial proceedings.
NSG Launches First All-Women Commando Training Course in Haryana
India's National Security Guard (NSG) has launched its first-ever all-women commando training course in Haryana. The programme spans 12 weeks and is designed to train selected women recruits into highly capable commandos. The curriculum focuses on building physical endurance, technical skills, and operational readiness. The initiative marks a significant step toward greater inclusion of women in elite counter-terrorism and security forces.

Sensex Opens 100 Points Lower as Weak Global Cues Weigh on Markets
Indian equity markets opened in the red on Monday, with the Sensex declining over 100 points amid negative global sentiment. Weak cues from international markets put pressure on domestic indices at the start of trading. Brent crude oil prices hovered near $92 per barrel after a 2% drop, influenced by renewed US pressure on Iran. Rising crude prices and geopolitical tensions added to investor caution in early trade.

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Opens Up About Loneliness and Cockroach Problem at Home
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has candidly shared her mixed emotions about her living situation, describing feelings of relief, loneliness, and sadness. She has been observed spending more time in seclusion at her residence in recent weeks. Takaichi stated last week that she is increasingly using her official residence, located adjacent to her office, primarily for work purposes to improve efficiency. Her remarks have drawn public attention to the personal challenges she faces while managing the demands of her role as prime minister.

Amitabh Bachchan shares family WhatsApp group details on KBC 18
Delhi resident Preeti Raj took the hot seat on the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18, successfully answering several early questions. She used a lifeline when faced with a particularly difficult question during her appearance. Host Amitabh Bachchan kept the audience entertained by sharing personal anecdotes about his wife, Jaya Bachchan, including details about their family WhatsApp group. Preeti also took a moment on the show to highlight the important role that domestic helpers play in everyday life.
US to Impose 50% Tariffs on Over 550 Canadian Products Including Food and Sports Goods
The United States is set to impose 50% tariffs on more than 550 Canadian products under a plan announced by President Donald Trump. The proposed taxes cover a wide range of goods, including honey, makeup, hockey sticks, and wine. Trump initially revealed the tariff plan last month, citing it as a broad measure targeting Canadian exports. The extensive product list signals a significant escalation in trade tensions between the US and Canada.

Ex-Andhra MLA Jogi Ramesh Responds to Daughter-in-Law's Conversion Allegation
Former Andhra Pradesh MLA Jogi Ramesh has spoken out in response to allegations made by his daughter-in-law Meghana regarding religious conversion. Ramesh defended his family, stating they had actively attempted to reconcile his son Rajeev and Meghana after differences arose shortly following their marriage. The dispute appears to have escalated into a public controversy involving claims about the family's religious practices. Ramesh's remarks, referencing the Bible, suggest the allegations centre around the family's Christian faith and its interpretation.

