India

Shoaib Akhtar regrets not playing more under Imran Khan's captaincy

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has expressed regret over not having had more opportunities to play under Imran Khan's leadership. Akhtar, one of Pakistan's most prolific pace bowlers, took 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 247 wickets in 163 ODIs during his international career. His time in international cricket came to an end during the 2011 World Cup in India, reportedly due to differences with then-captain Shahid Afridi. Akhtar's comments reflect on what might have been had he played a greater role under Khan's captaincy.

Rajasthan to Introduce Uniform Civil Code Bill with Tribal Exemption

The Bhajan Lal government in Rajasthan is preparing to table a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the state legislature. A key feature of the proposed legislation is the exclusion of tribal communities from its purview. This decision has sparked fresh debate, particularly in the tribal-dominated regions of south Rajasthan. The exemption is being seen as a significant move that could have implications for tribal identity and customary practices in the state.

Ospreys breed in southern England for first time in over 175 years

Ospreys have successfully returned to breed in Dorset, southern England, for the first time since 1847, following a conservation reintroduction effort. A new study highlights that pioneering breeding pairs play a critical role in accelerating a species' expansion into new territories. These pairs form separate breeding groups, significantly speeding up population growth beyond what natural recolonisation would allow. Translocation projects effectively create artificial pioneers, potentially saving decades in recovery timelines. The newly established osprey populations in southern England are now spreading and beginning to connect with other osprey communities across the country.

India Prepares to Mark 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026

India is approaching its 80th Independence Day, a milestone that invites citizens to reflect on the nation's history and democratic journey. The occasion is widely observed as a time to honour the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country's liberty. Across the country, people traditionally share wishes, messages, and quotes with family and friends through social media platforms. The day serves as an opportunity for Indians to reaffirm their collective commitment to national progress and unity.

Luigi Mangione pleads guilty to federal charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing

Luigi Mangione has entered a guilty plea to federal stalking charges related to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan. Mangione admitted to carrying out the killing, which drew widespread national attention. The federal plea resolves one of two criminal cases he faces, with a separate state murder trial still scheduled for September. During the investigation, authorities recovered a 3D-printed firearm and a notebook linked to Mangione.

Naomi Osaka on balancing motherhood, mental health and tennis comeback

Tennis star Naomi Osaka has spoken about how becoming a mother reshaped her perspective on self-care and personal well-being. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and safeguarding her mental health, primarily for the benefit of her daughter. Osaka views these practices as essential to navigating her new role as a parent. Following her return to motherhood, she made a comeback to professional tennis, aiming to balance her identity as both an athlete and a mother.

PM Modi-Tarique Rahman Meeting to Address Security and Ganga Water Issues

India and Bangladesh are preparing for a proposed meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh's political leader Tarique Rahman. Key agenda items are expected to include bilateral security concerns and the sharing of Ganga river waters. Indo-Bangladesh cooperation on several fronts has come to a standstill, and the talks aim to revive stalled initiatives. India had previously planned significant investments in Bangladesh's railway and road infrastructure, which are among the areas expected to be discussed. The meeting represents an effort to reset and strengthen ties between the two neighboring countries.

Arizona State University Launches Bachelor's Degree in Content Creation

Arizona State University has introduced a new undergraduate degree program focused on content creation. The program is being offered through the university's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The degree is designed for students looking to build careers in the growing digital content and influencer space. This makes ASU one of the first major universities to offer a formal academic qualification in this field.

Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Allow White House Ballroom Construction

The Trump administration has filed a petition with the US Supreme Court seeking to pause a recent appellate ruling that blocked White House ballroom construction. The request was made by Trump's solicitor general, the government's top lawyer before the Supreme Court. The petition targets a decision handed down last week by a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The administration is pushing to keep the construction project moving forward while the legal dispute continues.

Toxic Gas Leak at Bangladesh Shipbreaking Yard Kills 8, Five Still Missing

A toxic gas leak at a shipbreaking yard in Chittagong, Bangladesh's southeastern port city, has killed at least eight people. Five more workers remain unaccounted for following the incident. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing screams from inside the yard before colleagues rushed the affected workers to a nearby hospital. Shipbreaking yards in Chittagong are known for hazardous working conditions, making such incidents a recurring concern in the industry.

French Court Strikes Down Social Media Ban for Under-15s on Free Speech Grounds

France's top constitutional court has struck down a proposed law that would have banned children under 15 from creating social media accounts. The legislation had been set to take effect from September 1. The court ruled against the ban, citing concerns over freedom of speech. The decision marks a significant setback for efforts to regulate minors' access to social media platforms in France.

Second train derails in Southeast England within 24 hours; no injuries reported

How Marcus Aurelius Used Stoicism to Master Perception and Inner Reactions

Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor of ancient Rome, embraced Stoic philosophy as a framework for navigating life's hardships. He emphasized personal agency over one's reactions while advocating acceptance of uncontrollable circumstances. Aurelius prioritized virtue above transient pursuits such as fame, wealth, and power. His private writings, known as Meditations, continue to serve as a timeless guide for people confronting uncertainty and adversity.

GCC Growth Set to Fuel Office Demand in Tier-II Cities by 2031

Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are reshaping office space demand in India, with growth now extending beyond major metropolitan cities. These centres are planning to expand their footprint and create significant job opportunities by 2031. GCCs are increasingly moving toward larger, more sophisticated office spaces to meet operational needs. Emerging smaller cities are attracting interest due to lower costs and the availability of a skilled workforce. However, experts note that successful expansion into these regions will depend on supportive government policies and strong infrastructure development.

The Daily Catch-Up: Independence Day, El Niño, Mumbai food crackdown and more

President Murmu Approves 78 Gallantry Awards, 13 Granted Posthumously

President Droupadi Murmu has approved 78 gallantry awards for armed forces personnel, with 13 of them being posthumous honours. The awards include nine Kirti Chakras, seven of which are posthumous, along with one Bar to Shaurya Chakra and 19 Shaurya Chakras. Also included are five Bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 36 Sena Medals, three Nao Sena Medals, and five Vayu Sena Medals. The posthumous recognitions highlight the sacrifices made by personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation.

Brunei Sultan strips daughter-in-law of royal title for 'unbecoming conduct'

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei has revoked the royal title of his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi'atul Adawiyyah, citing conduct deemed unfit for a member of the royal family. The palace stated that her behaviour had damaged the monarchy's reputation and shown disrespect toward the Sultan. Despite the title being stripped, Raabi'atul remains married to Prince Abdul Malik, and no divorce has been announced. The couple's four daughters have not been affected and continue to retain their royal titles.

Single gene region on X chromosome drives redback spider's mating somersault

New research has identified a specific genetic region that controls the elaborate somersaulting behaviour male redback spiders perform during mating. This trait, which involves males flipping toward a female's fangs, is inherited via the X chromosome and found to be recessive. Scientists used experimental hybrid spiders to confirm the X-linked, recessive nature of the somersault behaviour. In contrast, abdominal narrowing in these spiders appears to be shaped by multiple genes working alongside environmental factors. The findings challenge conventional assumptions about how complex behavioural and physical traits are genetically determined.

An unthinkable crime shatters an Indian family in US— and raises questions about AI

Maharashtra Suspends Licences of Blinkit, Instamart and Zepto Over Hygiene Violations

Maharashtra food safety authorities conducted inspections across the state on Thursday, targeting establishments involved in online food storage, sale, and delivery. A total of 86 facilities were inspected as part of the crackdown. Licences of quick-commerce platforms including Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto were suspended following the action. The inspections revealed unhygienic conditions, with reports of cockroaches and lizards found at the facilities. The move signals heightened regulatory scrutiny of rapid delivery platforms operating in the food supply chain.