India

Ronaldo and Georgina to Wed in Madeira; Messi, Rooney Among Notable Absentees

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are set to marry this weekend in Madeira, Portugal. The couple has reportedly booked a historic cathedral and a luxury hotel for the lavish ceremony. Despite the high-profile nature of the event, several prominent football figures are expected to be absent from the guest list. Among those not invited are Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Erik ten Hag, and Gary Lineker. The exclusions are notable given the guests' connections to the world of football that Ronaldo has long been a part of.

Manchester City reject Barcelona's £38.5m bid for Rodri, demand over £60m

Manchester City have turned down Barcelona's opening offer of £38.5 million for midfielder Rodri. The Premier League club values the Ballon d'Or winner at more than £60 million. Rodri is currently in the final year of his contract at City, adding uncertainty around his future. Barcelona are still keen on securing the Spanish international despite the rejected bid. Manchester City have reportedly begun identifying potential replacements should Rodri leave the club.

Another attack over cattle smuggling claims in Jammu; 3 injured, 17 booked

US appeals court halts Trump's $400 million ballroom project

Thali Costs Rose Up to 9% in July Driven by Onions, Oil and Chicken

The cost of home-cooked thalis in India rose significantly in July compared to the same period last year. Vegetarian thalis became 4% more expensive, while non-vegetarian thalis saw a steeper 9% increase. The primary drivers behind costlier vegetarian meals were rising prices of onions, vegetable oil, and LPG. Non-vegetarian thalis were largely impacted by higher broiler chicken prices. However, falling potato and tomato prices provided some relief, partially offsetting the overall increase.

Serena Williams Tops Female Tennis Stars on Instagram With 17.8 Million Followers

Serena Williams leads all active female tennis players on Instagram with 17.8 million followers, significantly ahead of her peers. Aryna Sabalenka ranks second with 5.5 million followers, reflecting strong off-court popularity. Naomi Osaka holds third place with 3.2 million followers, often engaging audiences on personal topics including mental health. Emma Raducanu, Coco Gauff, and Iga Swiatek also feature prominently on the list, each building notable fanbases through varied and authentic content.

Opposition can’t dictate which minister will come to House and respond: Rijiju

India Eye WTC Standings Boost With Sri Lanka Series Win

India currently sit fifth in the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 48.15, while Sri Lanka are just below them in sixth place at 41.67. A series win against Sri Lanka could significantly improve India's position in the WTC table. Both sides remain within striking distance of fourth-placed Bangladesh, who hold a points percentage of 58.33. The ongoing series therefore carries important implications for all three teams' qualification hopes in the WTC cycle.

Iran officials 'would not be surprised' if Mojtaba Khamenei dies soon: Report

Chesapeake Bay Has Lost 99% of Its Oysters Since 1898 Due to Overexploitation

Chesapeake Bay, once teeming with oysters, has seen its oyster population decline by 99% since 1898. These mollusks historically played a vital role in maintaining water clarity, capable of filtering the entire bay's water within days. Decades of overexploitation and pollution have drastically reduced their numbers, severely degrading water quality in the bay. The loss of oysters has had a significant negative impact on the broader ecosystem they once helped sustain. Conservation efforts are now underway to restore oyster populations and revive the bay's natural filtration system.

AI generating more jobs than losses in India, finds Nomura report

A report by Nomura Holdings Inc finds that AI-driven hiring in India is outpacing job cuts caused by the technology. India is experiencing the largest absolute impact of AI globally, encompassing layoffs, hiring freezes, and new recruitment. The country's massive workforce makes it uniquely exposed to AI's dual effects on employment. Overall, however, the net impact of AI on India's job market remains positive, with recruitment gains exceeding losses.

CBI Files NEET-UG Chargesheet; CJP Demands NTA Dissolution

The CBI has filed a chargesheet in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, implicating multiple NTA-appointed subject experts. The investigation reveals an alleged multi-state conspiracy in which leaked questions were distributed through intermediaries for monetary gain. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called for the immediate dissolution of the National Testing Agency in response to the findings. The party is also demanding that the NTA be replaced with a newly structured commission. Additionally, CJP has urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all recent examination paper leaks across the country.

Iran Warns Saudi Arabia That Alliances With Turkey and Pakistan Won't Ensure Security

Iranian MP Ebrahim Rezaei, a member of Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, issued a sharp warning to Saudi Arabia over its diplomatic alignments. He stated that a formal agreement with Turkey and Pakistan would not guarantee Saudi security. Rezaei drew a parallel with Saudi Arabia's long-standing reliance on the United States, arguing that years of one-sided dependence on Washington also failed to deliver real security. The statement reflects ongoing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia amid shifting regional alliances.

Delhi Cabinet Approves Bill to Allow Private Universities With 25% Local Student Quota

The Delhi Cabinet has cleared a new bill that would permit the establishment of private universities in the capital. The proposed legislation includes a mandatory 25% reservation for students from Delhi. The bill also incorporates provisions for strict government oversight of these institutions. The move is aimed at expanding higher education access while maintaining regulatory control in the city.

Global Food Prices Rise in July Led by Cereals, Vegetable Oils and Sugar

Global food prices increased notably in July, with cereals, vegetable oils, and sugar among the key drivers of the rise. Wheat and maize prices climbed due to adverse weather conditions and growing market concerns. Vegetable oil prices reached their highest levels since June 2022, supported by strong demand. Sugar prices recovered, influenced by weather disruptions and expectations over ethanol production. In contrast, meat and dairy prices declined during the same period.

CJP Launches Petition Urging PM Modi to Address Youth Unemployment and Education

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has launched an online petition calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address key issues affecting India's youth, including unemployment, education, and inflation. The party described unemployment as a critical national challenge requiring urgent government attention. CJP also marked the recent resignation of the Union Education Minister as a notable development in this context. The party has announced plans for grassroots mobilization across the country to amplify these concerns.

Expecting FCRA Bill, Congress issues whip for MPs, Opposition allies to follow

Assaulted Doctor Case: Accused Sena Corporator Sent to Goa Resort, Not Jail

A court has ordered Ramesh Mhatre, a Shiv Sena corporator accused of assaulting a doctor, to remain outside Maharashtra during the ongoing trial. Rather than a custodial arrangement, the court directed Mhatre to stay at Nazri Resort & Lawns, a four-star property in Goa. The decision has drawn sharp criticism, with the victim's lawyer expressing outrage over the accused's comfortable living conditions. The lawyer remarked that the assaulted doctor is haunted by thoughts of Mhatre even in sleep, highlighting the trauma still faced by the victim.

Akal Takht Panel Demands Compliance Report Before Anti-Sacrilege Bill Talks

A panel formed by Akal Takht has decided it will not hold any discussions on the anti-sacrilege bill until a compliance report is submitted. The decision was reached during the committee's inaugural meeting. The panel comprises retired judges Justice Rupinder Singh Sodhi and Justice Mohinder Mohan Singh Bedi, along with Senior Advocate Puran Singh Hundal, Dr Kehar Singh, and Prof Jagmohan Singh. The move signals a firm precondition set by the religious body before engaging further on the sensitive legislation.

Saudi Official Denies Nuclear Ambitions Behind Defence Pact With Pakistan, Turkey

A Saudi official has addressed concerns surrounding a newly formed defence pact involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. The official stated that the agreement carries no nuclear ambitions on Saudi Arabia's part. The pact is not intended as a threat to any country in the region, the official clarified. The statement appears aimed at reassuring neighbouring nations about the nature and scope of the trilateral defence arrangement.