India

Gadkari: E20 petrol may cut fuel efficiency by 2-6%, varies by vehicle type

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has acknowledged that E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol blended with regular petrol, could reduce fuel efficiency by 2 to 6 percent. The extent of the mileage impact depends on the type and age of the vehicle being used. The government has also addressed several other claims surrounding E20 fuel, covering concerns about its effects on engines and overall vehicle performance. India has been pushing ethanol blending as part of its strategy to reduce fossil fuel dependence and cut carbon emissions.

AAP Councillors Protest E20 Fuel Policy Inside Delhi Civic Body Session

AAP councillors staged a disruptive protest inside the Delhi civic body during a session over the central government's E20 petrol policy. The protesting members climbed onto benches, clapped, and entered the Well of the House to register their opposition. The E20 policy, which mandates higher ethanol blending in petrol, has become a flashpoint between AAP and the Centre. The demonstration reflects growing political tension over the fuel blending initiative at the municipal level.

China's $13.8bn wetland restoration yields $434bn in ecosystem value

China invested up to $13.8 billion in coastal wetland restoration between 2000 and 2020, generating ecosystem benefits valued at as much as $434 billion. Mangrove restoration emerged as the most cost-effective initiative, delivering a benefit-cost ratio of 47 to 1. The restored wetlands provide critical services including carbon sequestration and protection of coastlines. Researchers say the findings underscore wetland restoration as a powerful nature-based strategy for addressing climate change.

Man Left Stranded Mid-Air Over 3,500-Foot Gorge After Zipline Malfunction in Maharashtra

A man was left dangling helplessly over a 3,500-foot gorge in Maharashtra after a zipline ride malfunctioned. The incident occurred at Sitakhai Point in Toranmal, the state's second-largest hill station. The zipline attraction had recently been opened to tourists at the popular destination. The alarming episode was captured on video, drawing attention to safety concerns at the newly launched adventure facility.

PM Modi Directs Special Support System for Seafarers Amid Middle East Tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting in New Delhi to review the impact of Middle East tensions on India. The Cabinet Secretary briefed the committee on the current geopolitical situation in the region. Senior officials outlined measures taken by various ministries to ensure continued supply of petroleum products, LNG, LPG, and fertilisers into India. Modi directed the establishment of a dedicated mechanism to support Indian seafarers affected by the ongoing regional unrest.

Overtourism and feeding frenzy push Japan's Rabbit Island into ecological crisis

Okunoshima, a Japanese island popularly known as Rabbit Island, is facing a growing ecological crisis due to tourists feeding its rabbit population without restriction. The unregulated food supply has caused rabbit numbers to surge well beyond sustainable levels. The abundance of rabbits has attracted wild boars, which are now hunting them more frequently than before. Vegetation on the island has also been severely damaged, with a visible 'rabbit line' scarring the landscape. Experts are calling for regulated feeding practices and a comprehensive long-term conservation plan to restore the island's ecological balance.

US-Iran Tensions Escalate as Conflict Expands to Multiple Fronts

The conflict between the United States and Iran has grown beyond a bilateral standoff, drawing in multiple nations across the region. New fronts have emerged, complicating diplomatic efforts to contain or resolve the situation. The expanding nature of the conflict suggests that several state and non-state actors are now involved. No clear resolution or exit strategy appears to be in sight as hostilities continue to spread.

Naveen Patnaik slams India hockey's switch to saffron jersey as BJP pressure

India's men's and women's hockey teams will don saffron jerseys instead of their traditional blue kits at the upcoming FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has publicly criticised the jersey change, alleging it was made under pressure from the BJP. The switch marks a significant departure from the blue colour long associated with Indian hockey. Patnaik's remarks have sparked a political controversy around what would otherwise be a routine sporting decision ahead of the World Cup.

Rahul Gandhi under fire: Anurag Thakur moves privilege notice over Lok Sabha speech

Producer Shailendra Singh recalls Salman Khan's hair therapy and biryani habit

Producer Shailendra Singh has shared a personal anecdote about Bollywood star Salman Khan undergoing PRP hair therapy while simultaneously eating biryani. Singh also noted Salman's unusual habit of having meals while watching himself in a mirror. The producer reflected on their past friendship, attributing Salman's reserved demeanor to the pressures of fame. The two shared a Monday night tradition that eventually came to an end following an unsatisfactory meeting over a film project. Singh has stated that he felt insulted by the way their final discussion unfolded.

Priyanka Gandhi’s ‘gaumutra expert’ jibe draws ire of over 200 academicians: ‘Mockery not a substitute’

Gen Z Accounts for Over Half of India's New Stock Market Registrations

Young investors under the age of 30 have been driving India's stock market growth over a six-year period. Between March 2020 and June 2026, this demographic consistently accounted for more than half of all new investor registrations. Their share of new entrants ranged from 53 percent to 59 percent during this period. The trend highlights a significant generational shift in retail participation in Indian financial markets.

Indian Railways to allow online booking of personal luggage on confirmed train tickets from July 31

Supreme Court questions Bihar over minister serving beyond 6-month constitutional limit

The Supreme Court has pulled up the Bihar government over a minister who has continued in office beyond the six-month limit mandated by the Constitution. Under Article 164(4), a minister who is not a member of the legislature must secure election within six months of appointment. The court sought an explanation from the state government for allowing this continuation without legislative membership. The matter arose from a petition challenging the minister's reappointment following a change in government. The bench also referred to a previous ruling dealing with similar constitutional provisions to support its scrutiny.

Tamil Nadu Minister Defends Mid-Day Meal Policy Amid Funding Row With Centre

Tamil Nadu minister Rajmohan has come out strongly against the Union government, accusing it of withholding educational funds. The minister alleged the Centre is using financial leverage over policy and language-related disagreements with the state. The remarks come amid reports that the state is reviewing the inclusion of chicken biryani in its mid-day meal programme. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and New Delhi over education policy and the language issue.

Odisha Medical PG Exam Paper Allegedly Circulated on WhatsApp During Test

A question paper from the All Odisha Medical PG Examination was allegedly shared on WhatsApp while the test was still in progress on July 27. The paper in question was the General Surgery second paper, images of which reportedly spread across WhatsApp groups. The institution's dean has denied that a formal paper leak occurred. An internal investigation has been launched to determine how the paper was circulated. Authorities have also announced tightened security measures for the remaining examinations.

Patriots, Chargers emerge as top suitors for Buccaneers DT Vita Vea

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea has requested a trade after contract extension negotiations broke down. The 31-year-old, who carries a $62 million value, has drawn interest from the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers. The Patriots view Vea as a potential anchor for an already Super Bowl-experienced defensive line. Meanwhile, the Chargers see him as an upgrade over their current interior pass-rushing options. No deal has been finalized as trade discussions remain ongoing.

Mumbai luxury home sales hit record Rs 18,512 crore in first half of 2026

Mumbai's premium housing segment, covering properties priced at Rs 10 crore and above, achieved its highest-ever half-yearly transaction value in 2026. Buyers collectively spent Rs 18,512 crore on such homes during the first six months of the year. This marks a 12% rise compared to the same period in the previous year. Established neighbourhoods like Worli emerged as key contributors, recording notable increases in transaction value. Demand was especially strong for homes in the Rs 20–40 crore price bracket.

‘Not even our grandfathers saw this’: Upper Assam reels as floods wash away entire villages

Medical PG paper ‘shared on WhatsApp’ minutes after exam begins in Odisha; officials say not a ‘leak’