India

US Becomes India's Top LPG Supplier With 67% Share Amid Hormuz Tensions

India now sources 67% of its LPG imports from the United States, making it the country's largest LPG supplier. This shift follows disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, which affected supplies from Gulf nations. Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri disclosed this development, highlighting a significant realignment in India's energy sourcing strategy. To further cushion the impact of reduced Gulf imports, India has also ramped up domestic LPG production.

Watch: Delhi-NCR drowns in rain chaos; 7 videos show waterlogging, gridlock

Mushroom species Lanmaoa asiatica linked to 'tiny people' hallucinations, baffles scientists

Scientists have identified Lanmaoa asiatica as the mushroom species responsible for hallucinations depicting tiny human figures reported across multiple communities. The discovery is considered a significant breakthrough in understanding unusual psychedelic experiences tied to natural organisms. Surprisingly, standard chemical analysis of the mushroom has not detected any known psychoactive compounds. Researchers believe an as-yet-unidentified substance within the species may be triggering these vivid visual effects. Further study of this phenomenon could deepen scientific understanding of human perception and consciousness.

Gurugram Man Loses Rs 1.19 Crore in Insurance Fraud, Four Held

A Gurugram resident was defrauded of Rs 1.19 crore in an insurance scam. The victim filed a formal complaint with the local police after suffering the financial loss. Acting on the complaint, authorities investigated the matter and identified the perpetrators. Police arrested four accused individuals on Wednesday in connection with the case.

US judge compares Meta to 'public nuisance,' orders $567m payout over child harm

PDP’s Iltija summoned to police station over ‘assault’ on cop during protest

Heavy Rain Causes Waterlogging and Traffic Chaos Across Delhi-NCR

Incessant rainfall brought life to a standstill across Delhi and the National Capital Region. Severe waterlogging was reported at multiple locations, disrupting normal movement for residents. Major roads including Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, ITO, and Wazirabad Road witnessed heavy traffic congestion. Cab availability also took a hit, leaving commuters stranded amid the downpour.

US urges Pakistan to show restraint amid PoK protests and election delays

The United States has urged Pakistan to exercise restraint and act within the law as tensions rise in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Protests have broken out over the issue of refugee representation, resulting in multiple casualties. Washington also stressed the need to ensure information access and conditions conducive to free and fair elections. Voting in seven constituencies has been postponed due to ongoing security concerns. The Pakistani government has disputed the casualty figures, calling them exaggerated.

Tharoor Says Congress Raised Student Concerns Before CJP Protest Gained Traction

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has claimed that his party had already addressed student-related concerns well before they became the focus of the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) agitation. Tharoor suggested that the Congress protest did not resonate as strongly with students as the CJP's movement did. He acknowledged the difference in impact between the two protests without dismissing either effort. His remarks highlight an ongoing conversation within opposition circles about who effectively champions student issues and public mobilisation.

Wimbledon 2026 Champion Sinner Moves On With Danish Model After Kalinskaya Split

Jannik Sinner claimed the Wimbledon title in 2026, further cementing his status as one of tennis's top players. The Italian star parted ways with Russian tennis player Anna Kalinskaya in 2025, ending their high-profile relationship. He is now quietly dating Danish model Laila Hasanovic, keeping his personal life largely out of the spotlight. Sinner continues to balance his private affairs with a strong focus on his professional tennis career.

Assam Christian Forum Raises Concerns Over Foreign Funding Bill Provisions

The Assam Christian Forum has flagged concerns over provisions in a proposed foreign funding bill. Spokesperson Ellen Brooks warned that the legislation could impact financial support for schools, hospitals, and charitable organisations. The forum highlighted that these institutions primarily serve poor and disadvantaged communities. A key concern raised is the absence of an appellate body under the proposed bill, leaving affected organisations with no recourse to challenge decisions.

Factional Divisions Within Punjab's Parties Loom Large Ahead of 2027 Polls

Punjab's major political parties are grappling with growing internal divisions as the 2027 state assembly elections approach. Dissidence within party ranks has emerged as a significant challenge for political leaderships across the board. Each party faces the task of reconciling competing factions before the campaign season begins. Managing internal unity is seen as critical to putting forward a coherent electoral strategy in the state.

72-Year-Old Man Dies By Suicide at Thane High-Rise, Police Register Case

A 72-year-old man died by suicide at a high-rise building in Thane, according to local police. The incident was reported to the Kasarvadvali police, who responded to the scene. Authorities have sent the body for a postmortem examination to determine further details. The police have registered a case of accidental death in connection with the incident.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey Sign Mutual Defence Pact in Mecca

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have signed a new defence agreement in Mecca, committing each nation to mutual defence in the event of an armed attack. The pact strategically combines Saudi Arabia's financial resources, Turkey's defence manufacturing capabilities, and Pakistan's military strength. The deal comes at a time of heightened regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Analysts see the agreement as a significant step toward building a new regional security architecture in the Muslim world.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey sign mutual defence pact in Mecca

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have signed a new defence pact in Mecca, committing all three nations to mutual defence in the event of an armed attack. The agreement brings together Saudi Arabia's financial resources, Turkey's defence manufacturing capabilities, and Pakistan's military strength. The deal emerges against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Analysts view the pact as a significant step toward building a new regional security architecture in the Muslim world.

Lok Sabha Passes Bill Giving Tax Relief to Foreign Government Bond Investors

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill granting tax exemptions to Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) who invest in Indian government securities. The exemption covers both interest income earned on these securities and capital gains arising from their sale, exchange, or transfer. The legislation is aimed at making Indian government bonds more attractive to overseas investors. By reducing the tax burden on foreign investors, the move is expected to encourage greater foreign participation in India's sovereign debt market.

Sri Lanka offers free stadium entry for India Test series starting Aug 15

Sri Lanka has announced free entry for fans attending the upcoming two-match Test series against India. The series begins on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium in Galle. The second Test is scheduled to be held at the SSC in Colombo, running from August 23 to 27. The free entry initiative appears aimed at boosting crowd attendance for the home series.

Exiled Bangladeshi cricket star willing to return, face murder trial if safety assured

Heavy Rain Floods Delhi Streets, Red Alert Issued for More Rainfall

Intense rainfall inundated low-lying areas of Delhi, causing widespread waterlogging and significant traffic disruptions across the city. Residents of Valmiki Basti were seen wading through waist-deep floodwater, a recurring problem the locality has faced for decades. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi logged multiple complaints related to waterlogging and fallen trees throughout the capital. Key locations including Mahipalpur T-Point were among the worst-affected stretches, slowing movement on major roads. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert warning of further heavy rainfall in the region.

UPI Payments to Businesses Above Rs 2,000 May Soon Attract Small Fee

The Indian government is considering introducing a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.25% to 0.4% on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 made to merchants. The proposed charge would apply only to business payments and is not expected to cover person-to-person transfers. Everyday purchases such as groceries, milk, vegetables, and auto or taxi fares are likely to be exempt from the levy. The move, if implemented, would mark a significant policy shift for UPI, which has so far been free for all users.