India

Stefon Diggs Close to Signing with Washington Commanders as Free Agent

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs is approaching a free agency decision after recently resolving legal issues. The Washington Commanders have emerged as the frontrunner to sign the veteran receiver. A move to Washington would give young quarterback Jayden Daniels an experienced pass-catching option. The Baltimore Ravens are also monitoring the situation as a possible alternative destination. With NFL training camps now underway, a formal signing is anticipated in the near term.

Government Moves to Revamp NTA With Expert Panel for Exam Reforms

India's National Testing Agency (NTA) is undergoing a major overhaul as the government pushes for significant exam reforms. A group of domain experts has been formed to advise authorities on restructuring the testing body. As part of this initiative, the NTA posted a 'Build New NTA' message on LinkedIn, signaling its intent to transform operations. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of the agency's examination processes and calls for systemic improvements.

How Lantana camara became one of India's worst invasive plants

Japan PM Takaichi's Approval Rating Falls to 57% Amid Rising Living Costs

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's approval rating has dropped to 57%, according to a poll conducted between July 24 and 26. This marks a significant decline from the 69% approval rating she held in June. It is also the first time her rating has fallen below the 60% threshold since she assumed office. The slide in public support is being attributed to growing concerns over rising living costs among Japanese citizens.

Red Sea Shipping Disrupted as Houthis Target Saudi Oil Infrastructure

Shipping traffic in the Red Sea off the Yemeni coast has slowed following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces on Saudi oil sites. The Houthis, aligned with Tehran, are attempting to blockade Saudi oil exports as part of a broader regional strategy. This disruption adds to existing pressure on global oil supply, which has already been strained by tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks represent an escalation of the wider US-Iran conflict playing out across key Middle Eastern waterways.

Motilal Oswal Picks Federal Bank and TVS Motors as Top Stocks for July 27 Week

Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk has released its stock recommendations for the week beginning July 27, 2026. The brokerage has named Federal Bank and TVS Motors as its top stock picks for the period. Federal Bank is a prominent private sector lender, while TVS Motors is a leading Indian automobile manufacturer. These selections reflect the research desk's outlook on sectors it considers promising for the near term.

Several Injured in Shooting at Seattle's Annual Bite of Seattle Food Festival

A mass shooting occurred at Seattle Centre in the United States during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival. The event, which draws large crowds, features hundreds of local vendors and live music performances. Multiple people sustained injuries as a result of the shooting. The incident took place while the festival was actively underway, raising serious public safety concerns at the popular community event.

White House AI Czar Sacks Pushes Back on Anthropic's Call to Restrict Open-Source AI

White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks has criticized Anthropic's push to impose restrictions on open-source AI models. Sacks argued that labeling these models as 'Chinese' is misleading, since open-source AI is inherently global and legally modifiable by anyone. He warned that such restrictions would damage the American open-source ecosystem rather than protect it. Sacks also distinguished distillation — a standard industry practice — from the theft of proprietary model weights, pushing back on Anthropic's framing. Broader industry voices have echoed his stance, urging policymakers to embrace open-source AI as a driver of innovation.

'Indian students made us proud': Greta Thunberg joins London protest in solidarity

DMK moves Lok Sabha motion demanding NEET ban, probe into student protest violence

The DMK party has called for an immediate nationwide ban on the NEET medical entrance examination. Party MP TR Baalu formally submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha to push this demand. The move comes in the wake of a reported NEET UG question paper leak that triggered widespread student protests across India. The party has also urged an official inquiry into alleged violence, including the use of weapons, against protesting students at Jantar Mantar.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 15, becomes youngest-ever Player of the Series in T20Is

Indian teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has set a world record by becoming the youngest Player of the Series winner in T20I cricket at the age of 15. The milestone came following India's T20I series win against Zimbabwe. Sooryavanshi topped the run charts in the series, amassing 151 runs across three innings. His standout performance was a match-winning knock of 81 runs in the final T20I. The achievement is notable given that the young batter had endured a difficult preceding series in England.

Cochin Haneefa's family moves into dream home 16 years after actor's death

The family of late Malayalam comedian Cochin Haneefa has finally moved into their long-awaited home, named 'Cochin Haneefa's A.B. Manzil', sixteen years after his passing. The house represents the fulfilment of a dream the family had cherished for years despite enduring significant hardship. Actor Dileep attended the housewarming event, marking the occasion with support for his late colleague's family. The home stands as a tribute to Haneefa, who is fondly remembered for his memorable contributions to Malayalam cinema.

'I will come to fight': Netanyahu hits back at Mamdani over 'not welcome in New York City' remarks

Anand reverses course, to contest FIDE Deputy President role alongside Turlov

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has decided to re-enter the FIDE election race as a candidate for Deputy President, reversing his earlier decision to withdraw for family reasons. He will contest alongside presidential candidate Timur Turlov. The reversal comes after incumbent FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich withdrew from the race following European Union sanctions against him. Anand, who currently serves as FIDE's Interim President, expressed his desire to continue contributing to the growth of chess. He also voiced support for Turlov's vision for the future of the global chess body.

Parliament Monsoon Session 2026 Live Updates: Centre to introduce Public Examinations Amendment Bill, Opposition issues adjournment notices

Laxman praises teen Sooryavanshi's adaptability after standout Zimbabwe T20I series

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a mature knock of 81 in the third T20I against Zimbabwe, anchoring India's batting to help seal the series. His innings earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. Interim head coach VVS Laxman credited the teenager's ability to assess situations and continuously improve as key to his success. Laxman noted that Sooryavanshi demonstrated strong adaptability to varying match conditions and opposition bowling plans.

Ex-Vikings star Everson Griffen arrested over ignition interlock violation in Minnesota

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen was arrested in Minnesota after police alleged he drove a vehicle without a court-mandated ignition interlock device. The four-time Pro Bowler now faces a gross misdemeanor charge related to the license restriction violation. Griffen publicly denied any involvement of alcohol or drugs in the incident, addressing the arrest via Instagram. A court hearing is scheduled for August 28 to address the charges against him.

Indian Markets Set to Open Higher as Crude Oil Drops 5% on US-Iran Truce

Indian stock markets were expected to open on a positive note following a sharp decline in global crude oil prices. Brent crude fell approximately 5% to around $91 per barrel after the United States and Iran agreed to a temporary pause in hostilities. The easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East provided relief to energy markets worldwide. Lower oil prices typically benefit import-dependent economies like India by reducing fuel costs and easing inflationary pressures. Both the Sensex and Nifty were anticipated to reflect this optimism at the opening bell.

Government to Introduce Anti-Paper Leak Bill in Parliament During Monsoon Session

The Indian Parliament's Monsoon Session 2026 is set to see the government introduce an Anti-Paper Leak Bill. The day's proceedings are scheduled to commence at 11:00 am with Question Hour. During this session, ministers will provide oral answers to listed questions. The Vande Mantram Bill is also among the legislative items expected to be taken up during the session.

Who is the woman Epstein left a diamond ring 'in contemplation of marriage'?