India

Scientists Study Odor Cues to Combat Northward-Spreading Screwworm Parasite

The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, is expanding its range northward into the United States, raising urgent concern among researchers. The fly lays its eggs in open wounds, with larvae feeding on the living tissue of animals. Scientists are now investigating the specific foul-smelling chemical signals that attract this species, hoping to identify what draws it to hosts. A key challenge is that existing traps capture related fly species, making it hard to accurately detect the screwworm in particular. Better understanding of its odor preferences could lead to more targeted and effective detection and control strategies.

Assam STF Arrests 3 Suspects Linked to ISI-Backed Sleeper Cell Network

Assam police arrested three individuals on July 24 in connection with an alleged ISI-backed sleeper cell network. The operation was conducted by the Special Task Force (STF) based on specific intelligence inputs. The arrests are registered under STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the suspects or the locations where they were apprehended.

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike, Calls for Systemic Reforms

Climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk concluded his indefinite hunger strike on Thursday night after 26 days, stating that building a nation requires reforms, not just resignations. The protest had originally commenced at Jantar Mantar on June 6, with Wangchuk joining the demonstration on June 28. His participation significantly amplified public attention toward the agitation. Wangchuk emphasized that meaningful change demands structural reform rather than symbolic gestures alone.

CJP Calls Off Protest After Education Minister Pradhan Resigns, Key Demands Met

The Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has ended its protest following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister. The announcement was made jointly by the government and CJP at a press conference held on the same evening. Pradhan's resignation had been the central demand of the CJP throughout the protest. The government also agreed to meet additional demands raised by the group, leading to the resolution of the standoff.

Education Minister Pradhan Once Led Exam Leak Protest, Now Faces Similar Crisis

In 1997, approximately 1,500 students gathered outside the Odisha state secretariat to protest an exam paper leak. Among those protesters was Dharmendra Pradhan, who would go on to become India's Education Minister. Nearly three decades later, Pradhan now finds himself on the other side of a similar controversy. The minister, who once channeled student anger over exam malpractice, is currently facing scrutiny over comparable issues in his present role.

India equal world record with ninth 200-plus T20I total in 2026 against Zimbabwe

India matched their own world record by posting their ninth 200-plus total in T20I cricket during 2026, equaling the benchmark they had set in 2024. The milestone was achieved in a match against Zimbabwe, where the batting lineup recovered strongly after an early collapse. Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma were the standout performers, building key partnerships to power India to the landmark score. The achievement highlights India's consistent dominance in T20 batting across the calendar year.

Economist Zandi Links US Inflation to Tariffs and Immigration Policy

Economist Mark Zandi has attributed rising US prices primarily to deliberate policy decisions rather than organic economic forces. He identified tariffs and restrictive immigration laws as the main drivers of current inflationary pressures. According to Zandi, these policies reduce the available workforce, worsening labor shortages and pushing up costs. He noted that underlying economic conditions are naturally deflationary, but are being outweighed by these policy-driven factors. Zandi concluded that reversing these policies would allow inflation to ease relatively quickly.

CBI arrests 3 railway officials in bribery cases across Mumbai, Varanasi and Howrah

India Expands Strategic Oil Reserves Toward 90-Day Security Target

India is scaling up its strategic petroleum reserves with a target capacity of 11.88 million metric tonnes (MMT) once current projects are completed. The country is collaborating with the UAE to develop storage capacity for 30 million barrels of crude oil. This expansion is aimed at moving India significantly closer to the internationally recommended 90-day reserve benchmark. Building robust reserves across crude oil, LPG, and LNG is seen as critical to strengthening India's long-term energy security.

Dharmendra Pradhan Updates X Bio to MP After Resigning as Union Minister

Senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan has removed 'Union Minister' from his X (formerly Twitter) biography, now identifying himself only as 'MP (LS), Sambalpur'. This change followed his resignation as a Union Minister, which he announced via a social media post on Saturday. In the post, Pradhan stated that he had formally submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bio update signals a clear transition away from his cabinet role.

Pakistan fielded six players in five-a-side hockey match against India

Pakistan made a notable rules violation during a five-a-side hockey match against India on Friday. Shortly after the game began, umpires spotted that Pakistan had six players on the field instead of the permitted five. The five-a-side format strictly allows only five players per team at any given time. The error was caught early in the match by the officiating umpires.

Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Union Education Minister Amid NEET Protests

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday amid ongoing protests. Pradhan's ministerial career in the Union government dates back to 2014, during which he held several key portfolios. His tenure as Education Minister was marked by the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. Before entering national politics, Pradhan began his political career in student politics in Odisha. His resignation comes in the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the NEET examination row.

Student Protests Force Minister Pradhan's Resignation, Raising Questions for Opposition

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following sustained student protests, marking a significant victory for grassroots activism in India. The Cockroach Janata Party, an organisation that originated from internet memes, emerged as a key driving force behind the demonstrations. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike further amplified the movement's momentum and public attention. The episode has prompted debate about why established opposition parties were largely absent from such a consequential civic movement.

Centre Concedes Two More Demands as CJP Reports Progress in Talks

The central government has agreed to two additional demands put forward during ongoing negotiations, according to a joint press conference held by the CJP. The announcement came ahead of the third round of talks scheduled for the afternoon. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, resigned from his position before the talks commenced. The developments signal a shift in the government's stance as discussions continue to progress.

'We withdraw agitation': CJP asks protesters to go home after assurances from Centre

Snap Co-Founder Evan Spiegel and Miranda Kerr Donate $550M to Erase Medical Debt

Snap co-founder Evan Spiegel and his wife Miranda Kerr have made a $550 million donation to address medical debt across California. The contribution is expected to relieve financial burdens for more than 261,000 residents struggling with unpayable medical bills. The initiative follows a philanthropic approach modeled after the giving strategy of MacKenzie Scott, Jeff Bezos's ex-wife. Nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt will manage and distribute the funds to eligible Californians. The effort aims to provide lasting financial relief to vulnerable individuals and families across the state.

Uganda to relocate 12 Nubian giraffes to revive poaching-hit Ajai Wildlife Reserve

Uganda plans to transfer 12 endangered Nubian giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, which was once devastated by poaching. The move is partly driven by the need to shield the species from oil drilling and habitat pressures near Murchison Falls. Ajai Wildlife Reserve is currently undergoing ecological restoration, with several animal species being reintroduced to rebuild its biodiversity. Local communities are involved in and benefit from the conservation programme. The initiative aims to balance ongoing development activities with long-term wildlife preservation goals.

Karunanidhi's granddaughter booked for allegedly slapping SBI branch manager in Chennai

Adyar police have registered a case against Kayalvizhi Alagiri, granddaughter of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, for allegedly assaulting a State Bank of India manager. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a malfunctioning lift in her commercial building. CCTV footage is said to have captured Kayalvizhi slapping the bank manager during the altercation. The bank's chief manager subsequently filed a formal complaint with local police authorities. An investigation into the alleged assault is currently underway.

CJP Ends 37-Day Jantar Mantar Protest After Centre Accepts Key Demands

The Cockroach Janta Party concluded its 37-day demonstration at Jantar Mantar following three rounds of negotiations with the central government. The government agreed to two major demands, including the resignation of a minister. Authorities will withdraw all FIRs registered against protesters and organizers during the agitation. The party has also been pushing for compensation for families impacted by the NEET paper leak, which remains an ongoing pursuit.

Study reveals hidden DNA damage may decide how long humans live