India
Google removes false Sam Altman death report traced to Wikipedia vandalism
False reports of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's death recently appeared in Google search results, stemming from an act of vandalism on Wikipedia. Google moved quickly to remove the misinformation but denied responsibility for the error. A similar false death claim is now circulating about Dario Amodei, the CEO of AI company Anthropic. The incidents highlight the broader risks of misinformation spreading through online platforms and open-edit sources.
Messi returns after father's death but Inter Miami exit on 3-2 loss to Club Leon
Lionel Messi made an emotional return to Inter Miami just four days after the death of his father, Jorge Messi. He featured in a crucial Leagues Cup match despite the personal grief surrounding his return. Inter Miami faced Club Leon but were unable to secure a positive result, losing 3-2. The defeat eliminated Inter Miami from the Leagues Cup tournament. Messi's football future also remains uncertain amid the difficult circumstances.
Karoline Leavitt to Resign as White House Press Secretary, Cites Motherhood
Karoline Leavitt has announced she will leave her role as White House Press Secretary before the end of this month. She cited her responsibilities as a mother as the primary reason for her departure. Leavitt made history as the youngest person ever to serve in the role. She had been considered one of President Trump's most trusted aides during her tenure.

SBI ordered to pay Rs 1.30 lakh after failing to produce ATM fraud CCTV footage
State Bank of India has been directed to compensate a customer Rs 1.30 lakh following unauthorized transactions from their account. The bank was unable to furnish CCTV footage from the ATM where the disputed withdrawals allegedly occurred. SBI also failed to account for two unexplained fund transfers made from the customer's account. A consumer commission upheld the compensation order after dismissing the bank's appeal. The ruling was based on the bank's deficiency in service while handling the customer's fraud complaint.
Rupee slips 7 paise to 85.40 vs dollar on FII outflows, geopolitical tension
The Indian Rupee declined seven paise against the US dollar during early trading on Thursday. Rising crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty weighed heavily on investor confidence. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz stemming from a US-Iran standoff further unsettled financial markets. Foreign institutional investors turned net sellers in Indian equity markets on Wednesday, adding to the pressure. Domestic stock indices also opened lower on Thursday amid the broader risk-off sentiment.
South Delhi woman, lover arrested for husband's murder staged as robbery
Delhi Police have uncovered a murder conspiracy involving a woman and her lover who allegedly plotted to kill her husband. The victim was reportedly drugged and electrocuted, after which the accused staged a robbery to conceal the crime. The motive behind the killing was believed to be a combination of infidelity and financial gain. The two allegedly planned to live together following the husband's death. A total of three individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.
Gates Foundation grants $540M to UW's IHME for global health data expansion
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded a $540 million grant to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington. The funding will significantly broaden disease research, extending coverage to nearly 5,000 locations across the globe. Governments are expected to benefit from more granular local health data to inform policy decisions. The investment is also aimed at strengthening early responses to health crises and improving overall healthcare outcomes. The Gates Foundation, which plans to cease operations by 2045, sees this as a key part of its long-term global health mission.
Elizabeth Taylor's Bel Air Estate Undergoes $47M Renovation by Developer Tavangarian
Developer Ardie Tavangarian is leading a $47 million renovation of Elizabeth Taylor's former Bel Air estate. The project aims to honor the late actress's legacy while blending the original structure with a modern addition. Key spaces, including Taylor's iconic master bedroom, are being carefully restored and updated. The transformation is expected to be completed next year.
Damascus Court Sentences Assad Brothers In Absentia for War Crimes
A Damascus court has handed down sentences to ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher al-Assad in absentia. The two were convicted on charges of murder, torture, and crimes against humanity. The charges relate to atrocities committed before and during Syria's 14-year civil war. The conflict claimed the lives of approximately half a million people. Bashar al-Assad currently remains in Russia, where he has been granted refuge following his ouster.

Sensex Slips 100 Points as Mixed Global Cues Weigh on Markets
Indian equity markets opened lower on Tuesday, with the Sensex declining around 100 points amid mixed signals from global markets. Oil prices also fell during the session, with Brent crude trading at $87.69 and WTI at $81.97 per barrel. The drop in oil prices was driven by weaker demand forecasts from major economies. Broader market sentiment remained cautious as investors tracked international developments before taking fresh positions.

Delaware, New York and New Jersey to mark India Day on August 15, 2026
Three US states — Delaware, New York, and New Jersey — have officially proclaimed August 15, 2026, as India Day. Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer announced the declaration, citing the growing contributions of the Indian-American community in the state. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued similar proclamations recognising Indian-Americans' impact on society. The announcements align with India's 80th Independence Day celebrations next year.
Gavaskar urges India to prioritise team over individuals ahead of Sri Lanka Tests
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has called on Indian cricket to adopt a team-first approach rather than focusing on individual star players. He stressed that a unified and cohesive strategy will be critical for India's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final. His comments come as India prepare to face Sri Lanka in an upcoming Test series. Gavaskar also praised the Indian Premier League for its strong management, noting that it has attracted significant investment from around the world.
Israel's Iran Threat Warning Allegedly Influenced Trump's Jet Switch in Turkey
A report suggests Israel shared an unverified intelligence warning about an alleged Iranian plot to kill Donald Trump ahead of his Turkey visit. The warning reportedly prompted Trump to switch to a different aircraft as a precautionary security measure. However, some US intelligence officials believe the Israeli warning was not primarily intended to protect Trump, but rather to shape his decision-making and influence American foreign policy in the Middle East. The credibility of the so-called 'kill plot' warning has not been independently verified. The incident has raised questions about how allied intelligence services may use threat information to steer US presidential behavior.


