India

Rahul Gandhi shifts to combative politics with Gen Z outreach and surprise protests

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has adopted a more assertive political approach following the party's recent successes. His new strategy blends Gen Z-focused outreach, parliamentary interventions, and unannounced street protests. Campaigns such as Bharat Jodo and Chhatron Ki Goonj, along with student protests and dharnas, form the core of this evolving playbook. Gandhi appears focused on sustaining engagement with issues over longer periods rather than moving on quickly. However, this approach has also drawn criticism, which he continues to navigate alongside his political activities.

Infosys disburses average 70% variable bonus for Q1 amid salary hike uncertainty

Infosys has paid its employees an average variable bonus of 70% for the first quarter of the current financial year. The announcement comes after the IT major reported a 12% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 7,769 crore for the April-June quarter. Despite the strong profit performance, the company revised its full-year revenue growth guidance downward. Employees are still awaiting official communication regarding annual salary hikes, adding to uncertainty within the workforce.

JPMorgan Chase to cut 541 jobs in Jersey City amid workforce restructuring

JPMorgan Chase has filed a new WARN notice with New Jersey authorities indicating 63 additional job cuts in Jersey City. This latest filing brings the bank's total planned layoffs in the area to 541 employees. Earlier notices had separately reported reductions of 120, 134, 51, and 172 workers. The cuts are scheduled to take effect between August 19 and November 15, 2025. JPMorgan attributed the workforce reductions to routine business management and staffing evaluations.

TMC moves SC against delay in disqualification of 20 rebel MPs

Indian Railways to tighten catering checks, act faster on Rail Madad complaints

'Worst nation to deal with': Trump slaps 50% tariff on Canada as trade talks fall apart

Arthur Creator Marc Brown Sells Martha's Vineyard Estate for $6.4 Million

Marc Brown, the author behind the beloved Arthur book series, has sold his Martha's Vineyard estate for $6.4 million. Brown and his wife spent 37 years meticulously restoring the historic property. The estate held deep creative significance for Brown, as he wrote approximately half of the Arthur books there. With the sale now complete, the couple has closed a meaningful chapter in their personal and professional lives. They have already purchased a new home in New York's Hudson Valley, which they plan to restore.

Land restoration not a cost but investment in food, water and livelihood: Environment minister

Scientists checked 109 owl nests in Turkey and found live snakes in 44%

BWF World Championships Exposes Scheduling Complexities Behind Elite Badminton

The BWF World Championships, held recently in New Delhi, shed light on the intricate challenges involved in scheduling top-level badminton matches. Tournament referees faced constant pressure to adjust the order of play due to player injuries, television broadcast requirements, and recovery time constraints. Indian pair Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly were hurried onto court at short notice, though they ultimately won their match. French player Toma Junior Popov publicly raised concerns about unequal recovery periods between players, highlighting potential fairness issues. The tournament underscored the difficult balancing act officials must perform to satisfy competitive, commercial, and athlete welfare demands simultaneously.

'Their faces burnt': Disturbing details emerge in Bangladesh Hindu family murder

Kerala's Kaziah Liz Mejo, 19, crowned Miss Universe India 2026 in Jaipur

Kaziah Liz Mejo, a 19-year-old law student and model from Mavelikkara, Kerala, has been crowned Miss Universe India 2026. The competition took place in Jaipur, and Mejo emerged as the winner from the field of contestants. Having grown up in Abu Dhabi, she brings a diverse background that includes academics, classical dance, music, and acting. She will now go on to represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to be held in Puerto Rico in November.

Orange waste dumped in 1998 helped Costa Rica forest grow 176% in biomass

In 1998, around 12,000 metric tonnes of orange peels and pulp were deposited on a degraded pasture in Costa Rica as part of an experimental forest restoration effort. The organic waste was intended to test whether agricultural byproducts could help revive barren land. Sixteen years later, researchers returned to assess the site and found it had transformed into a thriving, dense forest. The area showed significantly richer soil quality, greater diversity of tree species, and a 176% increase in aboveground biomass compared to its earlier state.

'Storm Shadow': Why UK sharing classified missile tech with Ukraine has Putin fuming

H-1B visa shock: Trump admin proposes hiking fee to over $100,000

Heavy Rain Strands School Buses for Hours in Gurgaon, Leaving Parents Anxious

Intense rainfall in Gurgaon caused widespread waterlogging that left school buses and vans stranded across the city. Numerous children were stuck inside their vehicles for extended periods, unable to reach home on time. Parents grew increasingly worried as they struggled to get updates on their children's whereabouts. Some students eventually arrived home in wet and cold conditions after lengthy delays. The incident exposed the significant risks that heavy rainfall poses to school transportation systems in the region.

US Races to Rebuild Missile Stocks Amid China Deterrence Concerns

The United States is confronting a significant shortage of precision weapons that threatens its military readiness in the Pacific region. Ongoing global conflicts have heavily depleted American munitions stockpiles, exposing a potential vulnerability in its defense posture. Washington is responding by accelerating domestic weapons production and revising its military strategies. These efforts are aimed at countering China's rapidly expanding military capabilities. The ability to sustain a credible deterrent against Chinese aggression in the Pacific remains a key concern for US defense planners.

Alcaraz returns to US Open after four-month injury break with title defence ahead

Carlos Alcaraz is back at the US Open following a four-month absence due to injury. The Spanish tennis star expressed appreciation for the warm reception and admitted he had missed competitive play. Alcaraz has a rare opportunity to defend his US Open title this year. The draw has opened up further following Jannik Sinner's withdrawal from the tournament. All eyes will be on Alcaraz as he looks to prove his fitness and regain top form.

After threat letter, Kashmiri Pandit employees write to J&K chief secretary

FSSAI Scrutinises Whisky Makers Over Fake Age Claims and Flavor Additives

India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has launched an investigation into alcoholic beverage manufacturers over alleged regulatory violations. The probe centers on the use of flavor additives designed to replicate the characteristics of naturally aged spirits. Authorities are also examining whether brands are making misleading age claims on their product labels. Consumers have been advised to read labels and disclosures more carefully when purchasing alcoholic beverages. The crackdown reflects mounting concerns among regulators about transparency and authenticity in the Indian spirits industry.