India

'To test their resolve': Putin could launch limited attack on Nato, US intel warns

Europe Expands IRIS2 Satellite Constellation to Rival Starlink

Europe is developing IRIS2, its own satellite internet constellation designed to compete with services like SpaceX's Starlink. The project aims to provide secure and reliable connectivity across the continent. Its primary beneficiaries include European governments, defence and security forces, and emergency services. IRIS2 is positioned as a strategic initiative to reduce European dependence on non-European satellite networks.

7 Dead After Private Bus Plunges Off Mountain Road in Himachal's Chamba

At least seven people were killed after a private bus fell off a hilly road in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The accident occurred on a mountainous stretch known for its winding and narrow roads. The bus was carrying passengers when it veered off the road and plunged down the slope. Rescue and relief operations were launched following the incident. Authorities have been informed and are investigating the cause of the accident.

Zuckerberg Addresses Meta Layoffs Amid Heavy AI Investment and Rising Costs

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has spoken to employees about the company's recent wave of layoffs, which were communicated via an early-morning email. While Meta reported strong revenue growth, its second-quarter operating income took a hit due to rising costs, including severance packages and legal fees. The company is making significant investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure as part of its long-term strategy. As a result of the layoffs, Meta expects its overall workforce size to decline in the coming period.

Australia coach McDonald outlines plan to manage player workload during IPL

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that the IPL is factored into the team's broader scheduling strategy. With a busy international calendar ahead, McDonald emphasized that the workload and fitness of fast bowlers will be a top priority. The coaching and medical staff will work together to help players make well-informed decisions about their participation. Lessons learned from managing player commitments in 2023 will guide Australia's approach going forward.

US Backs Indian-Origin Houston Woman Amid Visa Fraud Accusations on Social Media

Sadhana Gollapudi, an Indian-origin woman residing in Houston, Texas, has come under scrutiny after a social media account on X accused her of being a 'forever F1 student,' implying visa fraud. The US government has stepped in to defend Gollapudi, clarifying that she is a naturalised American citizen. The accusations surfaced online and quickly gained attention, raising concerns about targeted harassment of immigrants. Authorities have pushed back against the claims, underlining her legal status in the United States.

Gold Rate Today, August 8: Check 18, 22 and 24 carat gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other cities

Delhi records wettest early August in 16 years, flooding streets and disrupting services

Delhi experienced its heaviest early-August rainfall in sixteen years, causing widespread urban flooding at the start of the month. Streets turned into waterlogged channels and several underpasses became completely impassable due to the deluge. Daily commutes were severely disrupted and essential civic services were thrown into disarray across the city. Despite claims by municipal authorities of upgraded drainage infrastructure, the flooding exposed persistent gaps in the city's ability to handle heavy rainfall. The episode has renewed concerns about Delhi's overall resilience and preparedness for extreme weather events.

Injured Shubman Gill to skip warm-up match, targeting fitness for Galle Test

Indian captain Shubman Gill sustained a finger injury during a training session and is set to miss the upcoming warm-up match. The team management opted to rest him as a precautionary measure to ensure he is fit for the Galle Test. Despite sitting out of the warm-up game, Gill was seen watching from the dugout and also participated in a net practice session. The decision reflects the management's priority of having their captain available and ready for the main Test assignment.

Japan Warns US Over Unauthorized Use of Pokemon and Naruto in Memes

Japanese officials have raised concerns with the United States over its use of popular Japanese characters, including Pokemon and Naruto, in government-produced memes. The matter has been taken up through diplomatic channels rather than through any formal legal proceedings. Japan has not made an official legal finding against the US but has signaled displeasure over the unauthorized use of its intellectual property. The episode highlights tensions over copyright and the use of culturally significant Japanese characters without the consent of their rights holders.

Rijiju dares Rahul Gandhi to back Women's Reservation Bill unconditionally

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has challenged Rahul Gandhi to extend unconditional support to the Women's Reservation Bill. The appeal followed Gandhi's remarks stressing the importance of women's freedom of expression for India's overall development. While the opposition has expressed general support for the bill, it disputes the government's position linking its implementation to delimitation. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, is awaiting implementation after receiving parliamentary approval.

Ashish Yadav wins silver in javelin at World U20 Athletics Championships

Ashish Yadav claimed a silver medal in the men's javelin throw at the World Athletics U20 Championships, ending India's decade-long wait for a podium finish in the event. The last Indian to medal in this discipline at the U20 Worlds was Neeraj Chopra, who won gold ten years ago. In other results, Mohammed Ashfaq broke the men's U20 national record in the 400m race. Amanat Kamboj finished sixth in the women's discus throw final, while Basant qualified for the men's high jump final after clearing 2.14m.

Delhi, northern states to see more rains today, red alert for some Haryana districts

California may fine influencers who hide political campaign payments

Zach Dell's Base Power hits $13bn valuation with home battery storage push

Base Power, a residential energy startup founded by Zach Dell, son of tech billionaire Michael Dell, has reached a valuation of $13 billion. The company has raised $1 billion in funding to support its growth in the home battery storage sector. Base Power has already completed around 23,000 battery installations across residential properties. The startup is now expanding its operations into additional US states as demand for home energy solutions grows.

Pumas in Washington cut deer-vehicle collisions by 76%, study finds

A new study highlights the role of pumas on Washington's Olympic Peninsula in significantly reducing deer-related road accidents. The large carnivores alter deer behavior, pushing them away from highways and discouraging nighttime movement near roads. This behavioral shift has been linked to a 76% drop in vehicle collisions involving deer in the region. Researchers say the findings demonstrate the broader environmental and safety benefits that large carnivores provide to local communities. The study makes a case for coexistence with apex predators as a practical tool for public safety.

100% tariffs on India soon? US Senate clears Russia sanctions bill; 10 things to know

Turkey's KAAN Jet Surges Ahead as India's AMCA Program Faces Delays

Turkey's KAAN fifth-generation fighter program is making significant strides, with multiple prototypes under testing and deliveries on the horizon. In contrast, India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is hampered by unresolved engine selection and challenges in stealth material development. Turkey's multi-prototype approach has notably compressed its development timeline, giving it a clear edge. India's AMCA is not expected to make its first flight until the early 2030s at the earliest. The widening gap raises concerns about India falling behind in next-generation air combat capabilities.

Seven Dead, Eleven Hurt in Himachal Pradesh Bus Crash in Chamba District

A bus accident near Chalunj Mor in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district claimed seven lives and left eleven others injured on Saturday morning. All injured passengers were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Six of the more seriously injured were subsequently transferred to a larger facility for advanced care. Rescue teams were deployed to the scene to assist with the emergency response.

Microsoft sets AI token budgets, warns engineers against excessive Copilot use

Microsoft EVP Jay Parikh has issued an internal memo warning engineers that maximizing AI token usage is not a company goal. The memo, first reported by 404 Media, reveals that Microsoft has switched its default internal model to OpenAI's more cost-efficient GPT-5.6. The company has introduced token budget targets across every division to manage spending on AI tools. Employees now have access to individual dashboards to monitor their own GitHub Copilot usage and costs. The guidelines highlight that many engineers are currently spending hundreds to thousands of dollars monthly on the tool.