India

Indian Railways identifies 15 stations for redevelopment under PPP model; check full list

Assam Flood-Hit Rail Link Restored, Train Services Back on Track

Train services in Assam have resumed after a flood-damaged rail link was successfully restored. Northeast Frontier Railway General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava personally visited the affected sections to oversee recovery efforts. He conducted a thorough inspection of tracks, bridges, and related infrastructure in the region. The restoration marks a significant step in restoring normal rail connectivity disrupted by flood damage in the area.

India's Top 4 IT Firms Cut 9,100 Jobs in Q1, Reversing Year-Ago Hiring Trend

India's four largest IT companies — TCS, Infosys, HCLTech, and Wipro — collectively shed a net 9,100 employees during the April-June 2024 quarter. This marks a sharp reversal from the same period a year earlier, when the same firms had added a net 22,622 workers. The scale of the shift highlights a significant change in workforce strategy across the country's top technology employers. Analysts suggest the ongoing job cuts go beyond traditional cost-cutting measures, pointing to deeper structural changes in the industry.

AISA’s Neha Bora targeted by ink attacker during Jharkhand jobs protest

Ex-cricketer questions vice-captaincy role for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Former Gujarat captain Priyank Panchal has raised concerns about the appointment of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. Sooryavanshi will serve alongside captain Ishan Kishan in the leadership role. The young cricketer's selection follows his standout Player of the Series performance in Zimbabwe, which selectors cited as part of a long-term development plan. However, Panchal believes the added responsibility may place unnecessary pressure on the teenager. The Duleep Trophy is scheduled to begin on August 23 in Bengaluru.

Andhra Pradesh BTech Student Kills Girlfriend in Stabbing After Argument

A BTech student in Andhra Pradesh allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death following a heated argument, according to police. The accused had reportedly summoned the young woman to Chintapalli in the morning under the pretext of discussing certain issues. The incident came to light after authorities were alerted and launched an investigation. Police have identified the accused and are proceeding with further legal action in connection with the fatal stabbing.

Argentina and Mexico Back Infantino for FIFA Presidency Amid World Cup Rights Dispute

Football associations in Argentina and Mexico have publicly declared their support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The endorsements come amid an ongoing dispute over World Cup broadcasting rights. Their backing follows a unanimous show of support for Infantino from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Thursday. Football bodies across the world are increasingly taking sides in the growing controversy surrounding FIFA's leadership.

Rajasthan Hotel Operator Killed After Food Delay Dispute Turns Fatal

A hotel operator in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, was shot following an altercation with a group of men over delayed food service. The confrontation took place at Neelkanth Hotel, where the dispute escalated into violence. The victim sustained gunshot injuries during the incident. He subsequently died in an ambulance while being transported, reportedly following a crash during transit.

Lok Sabha Passes MSME Bill to Resolve Payment Disputes Within 90 Days

The Lok Sabha has passed a new bill aimed at addressing long-standing payment delay issues faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises. The legislation makes mediation in disputes mandatory, with a strict deadline of 90 days for completion. Courts will be required to release at least 50 percent of any disputed awarded amount to MSMEs if an appeal extends beyond six months. The bill is designed to speed up dispute resolution and improve cash flow for smaller businesses. It marks a significant legislative step toward strengthening financial protections for the MSME sector.

India's Investor Base Gets Younger, More Diverse and Geographically Wider

India's investing community is undergoing a significant shift, with younger individuals increasingly entering the financial markets. The median age of investors has dropped noticeably, reflecting a surge of first-time and early-career participants. Investment activity is also spreading beyond major cities, reaching smaller towns and regions across the country. The rising number of female investors is further broadening gender representation in the market. Together, these trends point to a more inclusive and dynamic financial ecosystem taking shape in India.

SAP freezes hiring and travel to fund major AI investment push

SAP, Europe's largest software company, has announced a halt on most hiring and corporate travel as part of a strategic financial reallocation. The restrictions are designed to free up resources for significant investment in artificial intelligence products and their adoption across the business. Exceptions have been made for AI-related recruitment and essential customer-facing travel. The move reflects a broader trend, with other tech companies also re-evaluating their spending amid rising AI costs. SAP's goal is to future-proof its enterprise software portfolio by prioritizing AI development.

Mithun Chakraborty Hospitalised in Kolkata After Minor Surgery, Condition Stable

Veteran Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty was admitted to a hospital in Kolkata following a minor surgical procedure on Thursday night. West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari disclosed the news through a social media post after personally visiting the actor. Adhikari confirmed that Mithun Chakraborty is in a stable condition following the operation. The actor is expected to be discharged from the hospital shortly.

Jharkhand protester leading hunger strike hospitalised; talks with government stall

NHAI Uses 10 Large Fans to Repair Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Cave-In

A road cave-in has occurred on the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, just 22 days after the route was officially inaugurated. The incident has sparked serious concerns about the quality of construction on the newly built expressway. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched repair work in response to the cave-in. Notably, the repair effort has involved the use of 10 large industrial fans, drawing public attention to the unusual remediation method.

Europe Heatwave Triggers Red Alerts Across Italy, Breaks Records in Austria and Slovakia

A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has placed all major Italian cities on red alert. Austria and Slovakia recorded their highest-ever temperatures during the extreme weather event. In Hungary, a nuclear power plant was forced to slash its output to just 10% of capacity due to dangerously low river water levels needed for cooling. The crisis highlights the wide-ranging infrastructure and public health pressures caused by the intense heat across the continent.

2012 Rwenzori wildfire was first in 12,000 years, study finds

A wildfire that swept through Africa's Rwenzori Mountains in 2012 was the first major fire in the region in over 12,000 years. Researchers reached this conclusion by analyzing lake sediments, which revealed a distinct charcoal layer tied to the 2012 event. The findings suggest that human activity and climate change are increasingly disrupting these sensitive high-altitude ecosystems. Evidence from the mountain's lower slopes also points to early human influence and ongoing shifts in forest composition. Scientists warn the results highlight growing threats to fragile Afroalpine environments worldwide.

'Support party's stand': Cong issues whip to MPs ahead of FCRA Bill discussion in Parl

Sukhbir Badal meets PM Modi, fuels alliance buzz ahead of Punjab polls next year

Ariha Pangambam becomes first Indian to win gold in Asian Aerobic Gymnastics

Paramount CEO backs Warner Bros merger, dismisses antitrust concerns

David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, has voiced strong support for the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. Ellison dismissed antitrust concerns surrounding the deal, arguing that the core issue is one of trust rather than market dominance. He outlined an ambitious vision to revitalize Hollywood by significantly boosting output across both theatrical releases and streaming platforms. Ellison emphasized that winning back audiences is central to making the merger a success.