India

UK to fly GCAP Tempest demonstrator by 2027 amid global sixth-gen fighter race

The United Kingdom has unveiled a combat air flying demonstrator that will guide development of its next-generation Tempest fighter jet under the GCAP program. The demonstrator is expected to take flight by 2027, marking a significant milestone in sixth-generation aviation. Several other nations are simultaneously advancing their own cutting-edge fighter programs, intensifying the global competition. China, in particular, is making rapid strides in stealth fighter development with multiple prototypes in progress. Analysts suggest India must either accelerate its homegrown fighter efforts or pursue strategic international partnerships to stay competitive.

Vijay Writes to PM Modi Opposing Jal Shakti Ministry's Stand on Mekedatu Project

Tamil Nadu actor-politician Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising objections to the Jal Shakti Ministry's response regarding the Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery River. The ministry had stated that the Supreme Court's February 16, 2018 judgment does not explicitly require Karnataka to obtain consent from lower riparian states before constructing a structure across the Cauvery. Vijay contested this interpretation, expressing concern over the implications for Tamil Nadu as a downstream state. The Mekedatu project, proposed by Karnataka, has long been a point of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Cauvery water sharing rights.

CJP Defends Gen Z Protesters, Rebukes Kangana Ranaut's Criticism

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) has publicly pushed back against actress and politician Kangana Ranaut's remarks targeting young protesters. Ranaut had described the language used during CJP-led protests as 'puke-inducing' and 'crass.' The CJP responded by asserting that Generation Z has contributed more to the country than Ranaut has. The remarks highlight growing tensions between political figures and youth-led protest movements. The exchange has drawn significant public attention amid an already charged political climate.

US Army Orders PAC-2 Patriot Missiles for First Time in 30 Years Amid Shortage

The US Army has placed a new order for Patriot PAC-2 GEM-T interceptor missiles, resuming procurement after a three-decade pause. The decision comes in response to critical missile shortages stemming from heightened global conflicts and surging international demand. Ukraine and several allied nations are also seeking to acquire these ballistic missile defense systems. Defense contractors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are ramping up production across multiple Patriot missile variants to meet growing needs. The push aims to stabilize munitions supply chains and ensure readiness for ongoing operational requirements.

How Global Crises Are Quietly Expanding China's Geopolitical Influence

China appears to be emerging as an unlikely beneficiary of recent global crises, gaining strategic advantages across multiple fronts. Its influence has grown in areas ranging from oil trade to the internationalization of the yuan. These gains have largely come not from China's own initiatives but from circumstances created by other nations' actions. Analysts suggest that rather than viewing this as a deliberate Chinese strategy, it reflects opportunities handed to Beijing by shifting global dynamics.

Greek PM Thanks Nolan as 'The Odyssey' Hits $640M Globally

Greek Prime Minister has expressed gratitude to filmmaker Christopher Nolan for bringing international attention to Greece through his latest film, The Odyssey. The epic production has performed strongly at the box office, topping the US charts for two consecutive weeks. The film has already accumulated $640 million in worldwide earnings. The Greek leader acknowledged that Nolan's work has effectively placed Greece in the global spotlight through the story's cultural roots.

'Even her own party doesn't take her seriously, why should we?' CJP hits back at Kangana

ICE Used Child Migrant Agency Data to Arrest Thousands, Report Says

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly used leads obtained from a federal child migrant agency to carry out thousands of arrests. The agency, which is meant to shelter and support unaccompanied migrant children, appears to have shared information that was subsequently used for immigration enforcement. One case highlighted involves a 6-year-old girl who spent over six months in a migrant shelter while her mother, already in the US, worked to secure her release. Shortly after the mother and daughter were reunited, both were detained by ICE. The report raises serious concerns about the use of child welfare data for immigration enforcement purposes.

Ambuja Cements Posts Strong Q1 FY27 Start, Targets 119 MTPA Capacity

Ambuja Cements has kicked off the financial year 2026-27 on a strong operational footing, reporting improved performance metrics in its latest quarter. The company's EBITDA margin expanded by 331 basis points sequentially, reaching 16.7 per cent. This growth was achieved despite temporary cost pressures stemming from ongoing geopolitical tensions. Ambuja Cements has also set its sights on scaling up its production capacity to 119 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Japan earthquake triggers blast in mall, several feared dead, trapped

Sedlec Ossuary: The Czech chapel built from 40,000 human skeletons

The Sedlec Ossuary, located in the Czech Republic, is a chapel decorated with the bones of an estimated 40,000 human skeletons. Its origins date to the 13th century, when soil brought from Jerusalem made the site a highly sought-after burial ground. Over time, the cemetery became overwhelmed with the remains of plague victims and fallen Crusaders. A monk and a skilled woodcarver later transformed the accumulated bones into elaborate artistic arrangements within the chapel. The site today stands as a striking historical monument reflecting on themes of mortality and remembrance.

BJP MP got Rs 4.20-lakh subsidy to grow lemons on his farm: Centre’s reply

Sparks fly in Lok Sabha as government, Opposition clash over anti-paper leak Bill

AI Avatar of Bolsonaro Stirs Legal Questions in Brazil's Presidential Race

A digitally generated AI avatar of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro made a surprise appearance at the campaign launch of his son Flavio's presidential bid. Bolsonaro himself was unable to attend in person, making the AI-generated likeness a notable substitute at the event. The use of the avatar has sparked a legal debate in Brazil regarding the role of artificial intelligence in political campaigning. The incident raises broader questions about the regulation of AI tools in electoral contexts, particularly when used to represent real political figures.

'Garlanded as if he won a war': Oppn attacks BJP over Pradhan's felicitation

Leopard Attacks Man on Assam Farm, Villagers Drive Animal Away

A leopard attacked a man on a farm in Assam, with the incident captured on camera. The big cat lunged at the individual before locals intervened and chased it away. The leopard is believed to still be roaming the farm and surrounding areas. Its continued presence has caused significant fear and unease among residents of the nearby village.

Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport set for inauguration: All you need to know

Trump, Zelensky and Netanyahu to Attend Funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham

US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on July 11 at the age of 71. Graham was widely known as a defense hawk who was a strong supporter of both Israel and Ukraine. His funeral is set to draw several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The high-profile attendance reflects Graham's significant influence in shaping American foreign policy and his close ties with international allies.

Arctic Bobtail Squid Caught Guarding Eggs in Natural Habitat for First Time

Scientists have recorded a rare Arctic bobtail squid, Rossia moelleri, guarding its eggs in its natural habitat for the first time. The observation took place in a remote fjord within Northeast Greenland's national park, the largest in the world. This marks the first confirmed in situ documentation of the species in the wild. The discovery helps close a significant knowledge gap about reproduction in Arctic cephalopods. Researchers also note the finding will serve as a reference point for monitoring marine life as the Arctic continues to warm.

French Police Discover Five Infant Bodies in Cardboard Boxes at Couple's Home

French authorities have opened an investigation after discovering the bodies of five infants at a residential property in Orange, a town in southeast France. The remains were found stored inside cardboard boxes at a home belonging to a couple. Police are now working to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The case has prompted a formal criminal inquiry into the matter.