India

Punjab HC Orders State Government to Clear Rs 14,191 Crore DA Arrears in 15 Days

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to settle outstanding dearness allowance dues amounting to Rs 14,191 crore. The court issued the order with a strict deadline of 15 days for compliance. The directive puts pressure on the state administration to address the long-pending financial obligations owed to employees. The ruling underscores the judiciary's intent to hold the state accountable for clearing legitimate dues owed to its workforce.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Speaks Out Amid Wrestlers' Sexual Harassment Case

The case against BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh dates back to January 2023, when prominent Indian wrestlers staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia were among those who led the demonstration. The athletes accused Brij Bhushan, who was then the Wrestling Federation of India chief, of sexual exploitation and intimidation. In a recent statement to NDTV, Brij Bhushan said he was unconcerned, suggesting the wrestlers themselves would speak to their experiences.

Palm Springs Luxury Home Prices Dip as Market Cools After Pandemic Surge

The luxury real estate market in Palm Springs, California is experiencing a notable decline in property prices after an unprecedented surge in recent years. Homes are staying on the market for longer periods and are frequently selling below their listed asking prices. Rising inventory levels are contributing to this cooling trend across the region. Average home values have edged down compared to the previous year, marking a clear shift in market conditions. The earlier boom had been largely driven by remote work flexibility and historically low interest rates.

India Manufacturing Growth Eases But Stays in Expansion Zone: HSBC PMI

India's manufacturing sector continued to grow in the latest reporting period, though the pace of expansion slowed compared to previous months. The HSBC Purchasing Managers' Index remained above the 50-point threshold, indicating the sector is still in expansion territory. Demand held up reasonably well, providing underlying support to the sector despite the moderation. However, growth in new orders, input buying, and hiring all decelerated during the month. The data suggests the manufacturing sector remains stable, even as momentum shows signs of cooling.

Auqib Nabi becomes first J&K player in India Test squad, replacing injured Bumrah

Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi was called up to the Indian Test squad on Monday as a replacement for injured Jasprit Bumrah. The selection marks his maiden call-up to the senior national side. With this, Nabi became the first cricketer from the Kashmir Valley to earn a place in India's Test squad. He is set to be part of the upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka. His rise has been guided by a no-excuses approach to pursuing a place in the national team.

Centre Reaffirms Pledge to Drop FIRs Against Students Before Supreme Court

The Central government told the Supreme Court that it remains committed to its assurance of not pursuing FIRs registered against students. The case pertains to incidents that occurred during a march to Parliament organised by the Campaign for Justice and Peace (CJP). The Supreme Court stated it will constitute a high-powered committee, to be headed by a former Supreme Court judge, to investigate these incidents. The court's decision to form such a panel signals a formal and independent inquiry into the events surrounding the march.

Opposition MPs Protest in Parliament Over Ram Temple Donation Theft Allegations

Opposition members of parliament staged a protest inside Parliament over alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The demonstration also addressed concerns over police action taken against students. MPs gathered to draw attention to what they described as serious lapses in the management of temple funds. The protest reflects growing political tension over the administration of the high-profile religious site. Opposition leaders are demanding accountability and a formal investigation into the alleged financial misconduct.

Supreme Court Asks Centre Whether Jantar Mantar Is Fit for Protests

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Central Government on whether Jantar Mantar remains a suitable venue for public protests. The case raises concerns about the site's proximity to Parliament, Central Vista, and other key government establishments. A petitioner has argued that the location may no longer be appropriate given its sensitive surroundings. As an alternative, the petitioner proposed designating Ramlila Maidan or another large, secure ground as the primary protest venue in the capital.

Black Mamba: Africa's Fastest Snake With Near-100% Fatal Venom Rate

The black mamba is widely regarded as one of Africa's most dangerous snakes, capable of growing up to fourteen feet in length. It is known for its speed and aggressive behavior when threatened. The snake's venom contains powerful neurotoxins that are nearly always fatal without prompt medical treatment. Access to antivenin remains a serious challenge in many remote African regions, significantly increasing the risk of death from a bite.

Saudi Arabia Urges Trump to Avoid Military Conflict With Iran

Saudi Arabia has been pushing the United States to step back from the prospect of war with Iran. The Saudi government is concerned that a major military strike on Iran could have severe repercussions across the Gulf region. Riyadh's appeal reflects growing regional anxiety over escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Saudi Arabia, as a neighboring Gulf state, would likely face significant fallout from any large-scale conflict involving Iran.

India's Cities Lose Time and Money to Repeated, Uncoordinated Road Digging

Indian cities are caught in a cycle of repeated road excavations caused by multiple utility agencies operating without coordination. Each agency digs up roads independently, leading to the same stretches being torn up several times over. This disjointed approach results in wasted fuel, increased costs, and severe traffic congestion for daily commuters. Experts say integrated planning and digital mapping of underground infrastructure are critical to breaking this cycle. With India's urban population continuing to expand, smarter and more coordinated urban governance has become an urgent priority.

Indian Railways Emergency Quota for cancer patients: How to get a confirmed train ticket

Kerala rain fury: 15 dead, 7 missing as relief camps shelter thousands

Yanbu Port Emerges as Saudi Arabia's Key Oil Export Hub Amid Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port on the Red Sea has become a critical export hub for the kingdom's crude oil shipments. Disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, linked to the Iran conflict, prompted this strategic shift. Saudi Arabia has been routing millions of barrels of oil daily through pipelines to reach the Red Sea port. This redirection ensures the continuity of crude exports despite ongoing regional threats, including those posed by the Houthis.

Thane Disaster Response Jawan Dies After Motorcycle Hits Pothole on Mumbai Highway

A disaster response personnel from Thane lost his life after his motorcycle struck a pothole on a Mumbai highway. The accident caused him to lose control of his bike, resulting in serious injuries. Local residents who witnessed the incident quickly rushed him to Shahapur sub-district hospital for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the hospital. The incident has once again raised concerns about the dangerous condition of potholes on Mumbai's roads.

Supreme Court Directs Centre to Demarcate Encroachment-Free Pedestrian Spaces

The Supreme Court of India has issued an order directing the Central Government to ensure that pedestrian spaces along roads are properly demarcated. The court emphasized that these areas must be kept free from encroachments. The directive aims to protect the safety and rights of pedestrians using public roads. The Central Government is now responsible for implementing measures to enforce clear and accessible walkways across the country.

'Entire system working to protect Brij Bhushan': Vinesh Phogat on ex-MP's acquittal

CJP Distances Itself from Bangladesh Student Movement After Taslima's Comparison

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has rejected comparisons drawn by author Taslima Nasreen between his organisation's protests and a past Bangladeshi student movement. Dipke argued that protests in Bangladesh and Nepal are being weaponised to defame the CJP, emphasising that their movement is fundamentally different. Nasreen had suggested that the Bangladesh student movement had 'fooled' groups like the CJP. In a separate matter, the CJP extended solidarity to students in Jharkhand protesting alleged examination irregularities. A student leader in the state subsequently launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding a formal investigation into the matter.

Monsoon toll rises across Assam, Gujarat, Kerala; over 130 dead

The southwest monsoon has triggered deadly flooding and landslides across Assam, Gujarat, and Kerala. Assam has been the worst-hit, with 82 fatalities and approximately 1.78 lakh people affected. Gujarat recorded 35 rain-related deaths amid severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall. In Kerala, landslides and flash floods have claimed 15 lives. Relief and rescue operations are currently underway in all three states.

Zuckerberg Claims AI Creates Jobs After Meta Cuts 8,000 Staff, Bets $130B on AI

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has argued that AI is a net job creator, citing the company's large-scale infrastructure expansion. His comments follow Meta's decision to lay off 8,000 employees — roughly 10% of its workforce — as part of an AI-focused restructuring. The company has committed between $130 billion and $145 billion toward AI investment in 2026. Despite reporting a 28% revenue increase to $60.8 billion, Meta's Q2 free cash flow dropped sharply by 91%, and its share price fell 10%.