India

VVS Laxman reveals why he declined India head coach role after Dravid's exit

Former India batter VVS Laxman has disclosed his reasons for turning down the national head coach position in 2024. The BCCI approached Laxman after Rahul Dravid's tenure concluded following India's T20 World Cup victory. Laxman chose to remain in his role at the Centre of Excellence rather than take up the top coaching job. He cited family considerations and his commitment to developing the Centre of Excellence as the key factors behind his decision.

Sharad Pawar’s MPs to meet PM Modi; Cong asks them to delink women’s quota, delimitation

Watch: Fast-moving Canada wildfire doubles in size forcing mass evacuations; 1 dead

More than 20 US warships deployed against Iran in Hormuz; 55 vessels redirected

Yosemite Speed Climbing Record-Holder Jake Whisenant Dies at 30

Jake Whisenant, a 30-year-old climber from Mammoth Lakes, California, died in a Sierra Nevada accident on August 3. He was widely recognized for his record-breaking speed climbs on Yosemite's El Capitan. The Tulare County Sheriff's Office Coroner confirmed his death, though no cause has been publicly released. Friend and fellow climber Bailee Moore broke the news via Instagram. His passing has drawn an outpouring of tributes from the climbing community.

Motilal Oswal picks Happy Forgings and Siemens Energy as top buys this week

Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk has released its stock recommendations for the week beginning August 10, 2026. The firm has shortlisted two companies as its top picks for investors this week. Happy Forgings and Siemens Energy have been identified as the most attractive buying opportunities. The recommendations come as part of the wealth management firm's regular weekly equity analysis for retail and institutional investors.

Starbucks to drop employee coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs from October

Starbucks has announced it will stop covering GLP-1 weight-loss medications for its employees beginning October, citing rising healthcare costs. GLP-1 drugs, originally developed to treat diabetes, have gained widespread use as obesity treatments in recent years. The move reflects a growing trend among US employers scaling back benefits related to these expensive medications. Other organizations, including Allina Health and PwC, have similarly revised their coverage policies. In contrast, Bank of America continues to support GLP-1 coverage, considering it a worthwhile investment in employee health.

Typhoon Dolphin hits eastern China; 1,400 Shanghai flights cancelled

Japanese Student Wins Compensation After 19 Days of Wrongful Detention in Bengaluru

A Japanese student in Bengaluru received compensation after being wrongfully held in custody for 19 days. The case stemmed from disputes at an English language academy and allegations of bribery. In an unusual attempt to delay his deportation, the student stole a police chair to prolong his stay in India. The Karnataka Human Rights Commission ultimately ruled in his favor. The case highlights the complex legal and immigration challenges faced by foreign nationals in the city.

Microsoft warns travelers of cyberattacks targeting hotel Wi-Fi networks

Microsoft has issued a cybersecurity warning for travelers using hotel Wi-Fi networks. A campaign called CaptiveCrunch, attributed to threat group Storm-2945, directs users to fake portals designed to steal credentials. Unsuspecting victims may download malicious files or unknowingly share sensitive data through these portals. The attacks primarily aim to compromise Microsoft 365 accounts and gain unauthorized access to networks. Microsoft advises travelers to use cellular hotspots and ignore unexpected pop-up notifications while on the road.

Parliament Monsoon Session 2026 LIVE Updates: Kerala Renaming Proposal Among 4 Bills Set For Introduction In Lok Sabha

Parliament Monsoon Session 2026 LIVE Updates:

Zaheer Khan backs Gurnoor Brar as top fast-bowling prospect for India

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has spoken about the challenges facing Indian cricket, including the ongoing injury crisis and workload management concerns. He also addressed the situation surrounding Mohammed Shami's recovery and return to competitive cricket. Among the next generation of fast bowlers, Zaheer specifically highlighted Gurnoor Brar as a standout talent. The former left-arm pacer expressed confidence that Brar has significant potential and expects him to contribute greatly to Indian cricket going forward.

UP Police Detain Four for Selling Non-Veg Food Along Kanwar Yatra Routes

Uttar Pradesh police detained four individuals following raids on shops selling non-vegetarian food along Kanwar pilgrimage routes. The action was taken to enforce restrictions on the sale of meat and related products in areas frequented by Kanwar pilgrims. The Kanwar Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage during which devotees, known as Kanwariyas, carry sacred Ganga water to offer at Shiva temples. Authorities have been monitoring food establishments along these routes to ensure compliance with guidelines. No further details about the detained individuals or the specific locations of the raids have been immediately disclosed.

Trump’s Iran ‘victory’ within reach? Tehran raises stakes over Hormuz

Indian Markets Set for Flat Open as Brent Crude Nears $85

Indian stock markets were expected to open on a flat note, with little directional momentum anticipated at the start of trading. Brent crude oil prices climbed close to $85 per barrel amid growing uncertainty over the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil transit route, and any disruption or ambiguity around its status tends to influence energy markets significantly. Rising crude prices can weigh on import-dependent economies like India, adding pressure to market sentiment. Traders and investors were closely watching developments around the strait for further cues on commodity and equity market direction.

EV Sector Set to Generate 40 Million Jobs by 2030 with 45% Higher Pay

India's electric vehicle industry is projected to create 40 million jobs by 2030, according to a report by staffing firm Adecco India. The sector is expected to offer significantly higher compensation than conventional automotive roles. Professionals with specialized EV skills could earn salary premiums of up to 45% compared to those working in traditional internal combustion engine positions. The findings highlight the growing demand for EV-specific talent as the industry expands rapidly.

Brent Crude Rises Over 1% as Hormuz Strait Reopening Remains Uncertain

Oil prices climbed on Monday as markets remained on edge over the status of the Hormuz Strait shipping lane. Iran and Oman are reportedly nearing a deal to reopen the route, but Iran continues to press for concessions from the United States. Meanwhile, Houthi rebels launched an attack on Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery, causing a fire at the facility. Additional Houthi strikes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have further stoked fears over the safety of oil shipments in the region.

'Only 3 of 13 exams cancelled': Students on Jharkhand govt's '98% demands met' claim

Gujarat Security Guard Arrested for Allegedly Raping Woman on Building Terrace

A security guard named Dharam Singh, a native of Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested in Gujarat over an alleged sexual assault. The incident reportedly took place on the terrace of a building where Singh had been employed for only four days. According to police, Singh allegedly choked the woman before sexually assaulting her. After the assault, he allegedly locked the victim on the terrace and fled the scene. Authorities have taken him into custody and are investigating the case.

Shami recalls Yuvraj's warm welcome and Dhawan's humor in India dressing room

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has opened up about his early days with the national cricket team, describing the nerves he felt when he first joined the squad. He recounted how Yuvraj Singh once asked him to address the team during a group meeting, a moment that stood out in his memory. Shami also named Shikhar Dhawan as the most light-hearted player in the dressing room. Dhawan was known for keeping spirits high even after the team faced a loss. These recollections offer a glimpse into the close-knit and supportive culture within the Indian cricket setup.