India

Gold Prices Climb to Rs 1,55,145, Eye Resistance Zone at Rs 1,57,500–1,58,000

Gold has shifted into a clearly positive short-term trend, with prices rising to approximately Rs 1,55,145. The metal has broken above its recent consolidation range, signaling renewed buying momentum. Analysts are now watching the Rs 1,57,500–1,58,000 band as the critical resistance zone for the current week. A sustained move beyond this level could determine whether the rally continues or faces a pullback.

Iran and Oman in Talks to Establish Safe Shipping Route Through Strait of Hormuz

Negotiations are currently taking place between Iran and Oman over establishing a designated safe passage route for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The talks come amid heightened tensions in the region as a US-Iran ceasefire agreement reaches its expiration. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping lane through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes. The outcome of these negotiations could have major implications for maritime security and international trade in the region.

Two More Air India Pilots Fail Initial Drug Test, Await Final Results

Two additional Air India pilots have failed their first round of drug testing, according to sources. The development comes in the wake of a prior incident involving a Phuket flight. Both pilots have been de-rostered pending the outcome of further testing. The results of the final confirmatory drug test are yet to be declared.

Rahul Gandhi Demands Broader Accountability Over UGC-NET Retest Controversy

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government over the UGC-NET examination controversy, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly. Gandhi stated that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, if it occurs, should be considered only a first step toward fixing the system. He stressed that the leadership of the National Testing Agency (NTA) must also be held accountable for the examination irregularities. The remarks come amid widespread outrage over alleged paper leaks and the subsequent decision to cancel and retest the UGC-NET examination.

NDTV World to Launch Cross-Border Dialogue Series 'Anviksha' in Nepal

NDTV World is set to launch its new dialogue series titled 'Anviksha: Ideas Across Borders' in Nepal on August 27. The inaugural edition will bring together prominent voices from both India and Nepal, including political leaders, diplomats, and business figures. Cultural personalities such as actors and sportspersons will also participate in the event. The series aims to foster meaningful exchange of ideas between the two neighboring nations.

Haryana Consumer Commission Orders Apple India to Refund Rs 45,500 for Faulty iPhone 15

A Haryana consumer commission has directed Apple India to refund Rs 45,500 to a customer who reported persistent overheating and network connectivity problems with his iPhone 15. The customer had approached the commission after the device continued to malfunction despite repeated complaints. Apple attempted to avoid liability by claiming the phone had been unauthorizedly modified, but the commission found no evidence to support this allegation. In addition to the refund, Apple was ordered to pay Rs 10,000 as compensation and to cover legal costs. The ruling underscores that manufacturers remain liable for service deficiencies on defective products sold under warranty.

US warns nations to pick sides on AI: align with US or face exclusion

The United States is pressing countries to choose between American or Chinese AI development frameworks, offering no middle-ground option. Nations that align with China's technological model will be shut out of the US-led Pax Silica initiative. The strategy aims to protect critical AI supply chains while limiting China's access to key technological resources. To qualify as trusted partners, countries must commit to a single technological framework. The move signals a hardening of US policy on global AI alliances amid growing tech rivalry with China.

A threat hiding in plane sight: Why the food on our plates may be riskier than we think

How 4 Raccoons Released in 1934 Kassel Spawned a 30,000-Strong German Population

A small group of four raccoons released in Kassel, Germany in 1934 has grown into a population of approximately 30,000 over the decades. Archival research has traced the origin of Germany's raccoon population to this initial release, dispelling earlier beliefs linking the animals to Nazi official Hermann Göring. Genetic studies have also identified several additional deliberate releases across eastern Germany that contributed to the spread. The highly adaptable animals have since expanded across much of Europe. Authorities have raised concerns about the raccoons' impact on local property and the threat they pose to native wildlife.

Rahul Gandhi urges Jharkhand CM Soren to address student recruitment exam protests

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed full support for students protesting against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations. In a letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Gandhi urged the state government to engage directly with student representatives to resolve their grievances. Some protesters have launched an indefinite hunger strike as part of the ongoing agitation. Gandhi raised broader concerns about exploitation within India's education system by certain groups. Soren leads the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, a key ally of the Congress party in the state.

Prashant Kishor takes oath as Bankipur MLA after first Jan Suraaj victory

Kerala School Chairman Regrets Telling Students 'Go To Pakistan'

A Kerala school chairman sparked controversy after a WhatsApp message in which he allegedly told students to 'go to Pakistan' was leaked on social media. The message, shared in a parents' group, drew swift public backlash and widespread criticism. The school head subsequently issued a statement expressing regret over his remarks. The incident has raised concerns about communal sensitivity within educational institutions in the state.

Bengaluru Woman Cop Body-Shamed on Duty, Four People Charged

A woman police officer in Bengaluru was body-shamed while on duty, prompting authorities to charge four individuals. The incident began when the officer intervened after noticing the accused engaged in an argument with her colleague. The accused directed derogatory remarks targeting her physical appearance at the officer. A case has since been filed against the four individuals involved in the incident.

JDS State General Secretary Caught on Camera Assaulting Traffic Cop in Bengaluru

A JD(S) state general secretary identified as Manju was caught on camera assaulting a traffic police officer in Bengaluru. The incident occurred when traffic constable Arun was on duty regulating vehicles in the area. Manju allegedly grabbed the officer by the collar and attempted to kick him during the confrontation. The video of the altercation has surfaced, drawing widespread attention to the misconduct by the ruling party leader.

Dog Urinating Near Auto Sparks Dispute That Turns Fatal in Telangana

A 23-year-old man was killed in Khammam city, Telangana, following a violent altercation. The conflict reportedly began after a dog urinated near an auto-rickshaw, triggering a heated argument between the parties involved. The dispute escalated and resulted in the young man being stabbed. Authorities are investigating the incident and details of any arrests remain pending.

Bangladesh stun Australia in under four days to claim historic Test win

Bangladesh defeated Australia within four days in the first Test match, marking a stunning upset in cricket. The ninth-ranked Bangladesh side outplayed the hosts comprehensively throughout the match. Australian media described the result as one of the most embarrassing Test defeats in the country's history. The loss has raised serious questions about the current Australian Test squad's form and competitiveness.

Iran nuclear post: How a fabricated X claim by Indian account created panic in Israel, US

MP Police Find Rs 3 Crore Cash While Searching for Illegal Weapons

Madhya Pradesh police stumbled upon Rs 3 crore in cash hidden inside a cupboard during a search operation. The raid was part of a broader crackdown targeting social media accounts that displayed individuals posing with illegal firearms, knives, and other weapons. Officers had initially set out to recover an unlicensed gun when they made the unexpected cash discovery. The drive was launched to curb the glorification of weapons on social media platforms across the region.

Florida's wild rhesus macaques found carrying dangerous herpes B virus

Wild rhesus macaques living in Florida have tested positive for herpes B virus, raising concerns about public health risks. A study found that approximately 25% of sampled monkeys had been infected with the virus. Some of the animals were actively shedding the virus, particularly during breeding season, increasing the risk of transmission. The virus strains identified in these wild populations are genetically close to dangerous versions known from laboratory settings. While no human infections from these wild macaques have been confirmed so far, health authorities remain cautious.

Sweden's Söderåsen National Park becomes one of northern Europe's largest protected forests

Söderåsen National Park in southern Sweden now spans over 1,600 hectares of broadleaf forest, making it one of northern Europe's largest protected woodland areas. The plateau was historically used as grazed heathland and suffered significant ecological damage due to intensive livestock grazing during the 18th and 19th centuries. Over time, the land has undergone remarkable natural regeneration, transforming into a thriving forest ecosystem. The park stands as a testament to the power of ecological restoration, preserving a landscape shaped by both nature and centuries of human activity.