India

US May Maintain Indefinite Naval Blockade of Iran, Says Defense Secretary

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has indicated that American naval forces could remain stationed in the region for an indefinite period. The deployment is aimed at enforcing a blockade against Iran, which has already caused significant economic harm to the country. Hegseth made the remarks directly to reporters, signaling no clear end date to the military presence. The move comes amid concerns over declining global oil supplies linked to the ongoing pressure campaign against Iran.

US Envoy Labels West Bank Settler Blockade of Palestinian Homes 'Act of Terror'

Israeli settlers near the town of Qusra, close to Nablus in the West Bank, have been blockading Palestinian homes since Sunday. Residents report being cut off from food and essential supplies as a result of the siege. Among the affected properties is a home owned by a US citizen, drawing direct American attention to the incident. A US envoy has publicly condemned the settler action, describing it as an act of terror. Israeli forces have since moved into the area amid the escalating situation.

9,500-Year-Old Burial of Pregnant Woman and Fetus Unearthed in Sweden

Archaeologists have discovered the ancient remains of a pregnant woman and her fetus inside a cave in Sweden. The burial is estimated to be between 8,000 and 9,500 years old, placing it among the earliest known interments of a pregnant woman. Researchers plan to conduct DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating to learn more about the individuals and the burial context. The cave is also believed to have served as a burial site for other people beyond this single case.

Jaiswal Run-Out After Mix-Up With Rahul Disrupts India in 600th Test

India's 600th Test match was marked by an unusual dismissal involving openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. A mid-pitch miscommunication led to both batters ending up at the same crease following an accidental collision. As Jaiswal attempted to turn back, Rahul misread the movement and advanced, resulting in Jaiswal's run-out. The incident proved costly for India, who were competing in a high-stakes fixture with World Test Championship points on the line.

Madushka struck on helmet by KL Rahul sweep shot in Galle Test

A frightening incident occurred during the first Test between India and Sri Lanka in Galle. KL Rahul played a sweep shot off the last ball of a Prabath Jayasuriya over that struck fielder Nishan Madushka on the helmet. Madushka was positioned at short leg and was directly in the trajectory of Rahul's well-timed shot. The moment drew significant attention during the ongoing Test match at the venue.

‘Attempt to muzzle our voice on Independence Day’: CJP Instagram handle restored

US Plans to Ask Allies to Choose Sides in AI Race Against China

The United States is reportedly preparing to ask its international partners to take sides in the ongoing artificial intelligence competition with China. This move comes as the technological rivalry between the two nations reaches a critical juncture. Chinese open-weight AI models have been making rapid advances, increasingly challenging proprietary systems developed by leading US firms such as OpenAI and Anthropic. The push reflects Washington's growing concern over China's accelerating capabilities in the AI sector.

Opinion: Opinion | India At 80: The Nation That Stopped Waiting

Rajasthan Teen Kills Grandfather Over Domestic Dispute, Dumps Body in River

A 16-year-old boy in Rajasthan allegedly murdered his grandfather following a domestic dispute. The teenager reportedly searched for methods to kill someone online before carrying out the act. After the killing, he disposed of the body by dumping it in a nearby river. Authorities have taken the juvenile into custody and are investigating the case.

Teen inventor creates dissolvable wireless tags to improve plastic recycling

Kevin Sun, a 17-year-old innovator, has developed dissolvable radio-frequency (RFID) tags aimed at improving plastic waste sorting. The wireless tags function like barcodes, helping recycling facilities accurately identify and classify different types of plastic. A key advantage of the tags is that they dissolve during the hot washing stage of recycling, leaving no residue behind. This eliminates the risk of contamination in recycled materials, addressing a longstanding challenge in the recycling industry.

PM Modi Unveils AI Training, Free Coaching and Six Key Schemes on Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made six major announcements during his Independence Day address to the nation. A flagship initiative will provide AI skilling training to one crore young Indians across the country. The government also announced free online coaching to help students prepare for competitive examinations. Additional measures include a national sports talent hunt programme and an expansion of India's semiconductor manufacturing capacity. These announcements signal the government's focus on technology, education, and economic development as key national priorities.

‘Some people gain joy in keeping nation terrified’: PM on Covid, West Asia crisis

Six Dead, Including Suspect, After Multiple Shootings Across Michigan

At least six people have died following a series of shootings across the state of Michigan in the United States. The suspect is among those confirmed dead. The incidents appear to have occurred across multiple locations within the state. Authorities have not yet released the names or ages of the victims, pending notification of their families.

Antarctica once had a rainforest just 900 km from the South Pole

India at 79: How the Nation Defied Early Predictions of Its Collapse

India marks 79 years of independence, a milestone that carries significant weight in the context of modern nation-building. At the time of its founding, several observers and analysts predicted that India would fail as a unified state due to its vast diversity and complex challenges. Decades later, the country stands as a functioning democracy, defying those early skeptical forecasts. While 79 years may seem brief in the context of India's ancient civilizational history, it represents a remarkable achievement in modern political terms.

What’s in it for Gen Z in PM Modi’s speech - AI skills, free coaching, sports & jobs

'Many forces don't want India to become Vishwaguru’: RSS chief Bhagwat

India Among World's Fastest-Growing Major Economies Post-Independence

India has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies since gaining independence from British rule. Colonial rule had significantly weakened India's economic foundations over decades of exploitation. Following independence, India undertook structural reforms and development initiatives to rebuild its hollowed economy. These efforts have contributed to sustained economic growth that continues to accelerate in the modern era. India is currently projected to maintain its position as the fastest-growing major economy globally.

Dimagi Naxals, Sapta Dhara and Viksit Bharat: Top 5 highlights from PM Modi’s speech

PM Modi unveils 'Sapta Dhara' for 'Viksit Bharat': What is his seven-point roadmap