India

Meta introduces VIP account protocols after PM Modi's Facebook video was removed

Meta has rolled out new protocols for managing accounts belonging to prominent individuals following a controversy over a removed video. A Facebook video posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was temporarily taken down, prompting the company to express regret over the incident. Meta has said it is investigating the circumstances that led to the video's removal. Indian government officials are set to meet with Meta's global representatives to discuss the matter. The talks are expected to address both the policy and technical dimensions of the incident.

Pakistan Confirms US-Iran Talks Continue Despite Escalating Military Strikes

Pakistan, acting as a mediator, stated on Thursday that negotiations between the United States and Iran are still ongoing. The announcement came even as the US launched what was described as a heavy wave of strikes against Iran. The strikes were carried out in retaliation for fresh Iranian attacks targeting Jordan. The situation highlights a tense dual track of diplomacy and military action playing out simultaneously between the two adversaries.

Modi chairs security meet on West Asia crisis, focuses on seafarers and supply chains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level security meeting to address challenges arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict. He instructed officials to set up a dedicated mechanism to support Indian seafarers and their families affected by the crisis. The meeting also examined ways to secure an uninterrupted supply of fertilizers ahead of the rabi agricultural season. India's efforts to diversify its energy sources were noted as having effectively reduced exposure to risks from the conflict. The government reaffirmed its whole-of-government approach to protect the interests of Indian citizens.

Supreme Court declines blanket ban on pellet guns, orders care for injured protesters

The Supreme Court of India has refused to impose a blanket ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd control purposes. The court directed the Delhi government to ensure that all protesters injured during demonstrations receive medical treatment. It ordered the preservation of ammunition logs to facilitate thorough investigations into incidents. The bench also stressed the importance of equipping police personnel with adequate protective gear. The court acknowledged that peaceful protests can at times be exploited by bad actors.

Study: Up to 5,000 Tonnes of Undeclared Uranium May Have Left DRC Since 2000

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that between 2,000 and 5,000 metric tons of undeclared uranium may have been extracted and exported from the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2000 and 2024. Researchers believe the uranium moved undetected through the country's cobalt supply chain, despite the DRC not officially reporting uranium production for decades. The study was conducted by scientists from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Princeton University. China is identified as a likely destination for the material, raising concerns about unmonitored nuclear material flows.

Iranian-Linked Hackers Suspected Behind Cyberattacks on Minnesota Water Systems

Multiple local water systems in the US state of Minnesota have been targeted in a series of cyberattacks. Investigators have identified characteristics consistent with a hacker group believed to have ties to Iran. The attacks raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical public infrastructure to foreign cyber threats. Authorities are examining the breaches to determine the extent of the damage and potential motives. The incidents are part of a broader pattern of suspected state-linked cyberattacks targeting US utilities and infrastructure.

France and Spain See Wildfire Relief as New Blazes Emerge Across Europe

France and Spain began showing signs of relief on Thursday from some of the most devastating wildfires in recent memory. The fires had already forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate their homes across both countries. While conditions improved in certain affected areas, new wildfires were reported breaking out elsewhere in Europe. The blazes have been among the most destructive the region has witnessed in living memory, displacing large numbers of residents.

ISRO and DoS launch recruitment drive for 746 posts including scientists and engineers

India's space agency ISRO and the Department of Space (DoS) have jointly launched a large-scale recruitment drive covering 746 positions. The openings span both regular posts and apprenticeship roles aimed at developing future talent. Among the vacancies, 92 positions are designated for scientists and engineers across various ISRO centres. The drive also includes administrative roles and is intended to address existing vacancy gaps within the space department. The initiative is designed to strengthen ISRO's overall workforce and enhance its operational capacity.

Liti's CWG Record Lift Edges Out India's Lovepreet by 1kg in Weightlifting

Weightlifter Liti claimed gold at the Commonwealth Games with a total lift of 389kg, finishing just one kilogram ahead of India's Lovepreet. Liti set a Commonwealth Games record in the clean and jerk, hoisting 223kg to surpass the Indian competitor. In the snatch category, Liti had lifted 166kg. The razor-thin margin of a single kilogram proved decisive in denying Lovepreet the gold medal.

16 Indians, Including 10 Seafarers, Killed in Middle East Conflict This Year

The Indian government disclosed to Parliament on Thursday that 16 Indian nationals have died since the Middle East conflict began this year. Among those killed, 10 were seafarers working in the region. The disclosure was made in response to a query raised in Parliament. The deaths highlight the growing risk faced by Indian workers and maritime personnel operating in the conflict-affected Middle East.

J&K Govt Approves Gas Agency for Pellet-Blinded Insha Mushtaq After 8 Years

The Jammu & Kashmir government has finally approved a gas agency for Insha Mushtaq, fulfilling a rehabilitation promise made eight years ago. Insha lost her eyesight at the age of 14 after being struck by a pellet during protests in 2016. Despite her disability, she adapted by learning Braille and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree. The approval, granted on Thursday, revives a long-delayed commitment to support her livelihood. The move is being seen as a significant step toward her rehabilitation and financial independence.

Ladakh LG declares 23 heritage sites as protected monuments

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has officially designated 23 heritage sites across Ladakh as protected monuments. The sites, spread across Leh and Kargil districts, have been notified under a specific legislation to grant them legal protection. The move aims to safeguard Ladakh's rich archaeological and historical heritage from encroachment and deterioration. Authorities will now carry out conservation efforts at these locations as part of the initiative. The decision underscores the administration's commitment to preserving Ladakh's distinct historical legacy for coming generations.

J&K Police seize properties of 5 Pakistan-based terror handlers in Reasi

Jammu and Kashmir Police have attached properties belonging to five Pakistan-based terrorist handlers in the Reasi district. The action was taken to cut off potential sources of terror financing linked to these individuals. The seized land was connected to a case registered under strict anti-terrorism legislation. Investigations found that the accused had crossed over to Pakistan for terrorist training and are currently operating as handlers. Authorities say the move is part of broader efforts to disrupt terror networks by targeting their financial assets.

Lower Turnout Adds To Suspense In Bypoll For Madhya Pradesh Seat

The result on August 3 may therefore be decided not only by those who voted, but also by the thousands who stayed away.

Baker Mayfield halts Buccaneers contract talks, demands franchise QB pay

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has suspended contract extension negotiations with the team until after the 2026 season. Mayfield reportedly feels disrespected by the club's current offer, which he considers below his value as a starting franchise quarterback. The standoff comes as Mayfield enters the final year of his existing deal with Tampa Bay. The situation places considerable pressure on the Buccaneers' front office to reassess their valuation of the quarterback ahead of potential free agency.

Allahabad HC: Pregnancy Not Valid Reason to Deny Women Public Employment

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has ruled that pregnancy cannot be used as grounds to deny a woman public sector employment. The order came in response to a special appeal filed by Komal Jaiswal against the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission. The Commission had refused to defer her physical efficiency test for the recruitment of Forest Guard and Wildlife Guard positions. The court's ruling reinforces protections for pregnant women seeking government jobs in the state.

Watch: Thousands of Moroccan migrants flood into Spain; videos go viral

Egypt confirms drone attack sparked fire on two gas vessels at Damietta port

Egypt's cabinet confirmed on Thursday that a drone attack caused a fire aboard two gas vessels at the Mediterranean port of Damietta. The blaze had broken out a day earlier, initially leaving the cause unclear. Authorities have now ruled out any accidental origin, establishing the incident as a deliberate attack. The confirmation raises security concerns over one of Egypt's key northern ports on the Mediterranean coast.

Appoint Polar Ambassador, become full member of Arctic Council, suggests panel

Billionaire Maezawa's $500M Superyacht Nausicaä Goes Viral for Massive Radar Domes

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa's superyacht Nausicaä has gone viral online due to its striking oversized satellite equipment. The 374-foot vessel, designed by Apple Watch collaborator Marc Newson, is valued at approximately $500 million. The prominent dome structures are radomes, which shield sensitive satellite receivers from harsh marine conditions. Nausicaä operates as a high-tech floating resort, equipped with advanced propulsion systems and satellite connectivity for data transmission.