India

Jaishankar, Wang Yi discuss trade balance and border peace in Manila talks

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila to discuss key bilateral issues. The talks covered fair market access, trade balance, and the reliability of supply chains between the two nations. Both sides acknowledged that peace and tranquility along the border remain essential for normal India-China relations. India expressed its welcome for recent steps taken to normalize ties, including the resumption of direct flights. The two countries have been engaged in efforts to maintain border stability since October 2024.

Soldier slips to death in J&K’s Rajouri

Pat McAfee defends $65M ESPN deal amid backlash over network layoffs

ESPN has come under scrutiny following a wave of significant layoffs at the network. Sports commentator Pat McAfee, who holds a high-value contract with ESPN, has faced public criticism from fans who link his lucrative deal to the job cuts. McAfee pushed back against the claims, stating that the layoffs stem from separate budgeting decisions unrelated to his contract negotiations. However, the timing and optics of his arrangement have made his defense difficult to sustain in the public eye. The controversy has sparked broader questions about ESPN's financial priorities and its treatment of its broader workforce.

Tharoor Slams System Over Paper Leak, Criticises Rahul Gandhi's Detention

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has spoken out strongly against the ongoing paper leak controversy, stating that students have been let down by the system. Tharoor's remarks came amid widespread protests by students demanding accountability over the leaked examination papers. He also addressed the detention of Rahul Gandhi, who was stopped near the Prime Minister's residence, calling the move unbecoming of a mature democracy. Tharoor's comments reflect growing opposition criticism of the government's handling of both the exam integrity crisis and political dissent.

US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Drops Key Enrichment and Inspection Safeguards

The United States has reached a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that omits two critical safeguards Washington has historically demanded from partner nations. The deal does not include a ban on uranium enrichment or spent fuel reprocessing, which are standard restrictions meant to prevent the development of nuclear weapons. It also lacks an 'additional protocol,' a mechanism that enables stricter international inspections of nuclear facilities. The absence of these provisions has raised concerns among nonproliferation experts about the risks of nuclear technology spreading in the Middle East. The agreement marks a significant shift in how the US approaches nuclear cooperation agreements with regional partners.

Students not terrorists, we fully support their demands: Rahul Gandhi on students protesting against paper leaks

China Says It Is Ready to Handle Sensitive Issues With India

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed Beijing's readiness to manage sensitive matters in its relationship with India. The statement came during diplomatic engagements in Manila, Philippines. Both Wang Yi and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar are present in the city to attend ASEAN-related meetings. The remarks signal a continued willingness from China's side to engage diplomatically with India on contentious issues.

Two Murder Convicts Wed Inside Jodhpur Jail in Hindu Ceremony

Two life convicts serving sentences for murder got married inside Jodhpur Central Jail. The couple performed traditional Hindu wedding rituals as part of the ceremony. Jail officials, police personnel, and prison staff were present as witnesses to the union. The wedding took place within the prison premises, making it an unusual event within the correctional facility.

NYC Mayor Mamdani launches $5.24M tech team to build public digital services

New York City under Mayor Zohran Mamdani is recruiting roughly 30 full-time technology professionals for a new initiative called Public Interest Technology Crews. The roles span software engineering, product design, user research, and data expertise, spread across four teams. The program is backed by $5.24 million in the city's budget. The team's first project will be a consumer complaint portal to enforce New York's Click to Cancel subscription law, set to go live on October 1.

Daily Horoscope Predictions for All 12 Zodiac Signs: July 23, 2026

An astrologer has prepared daily horoscope readings for all 12 zodiac signs for July 23, 2026. The predictions are based on an analysis of current planetary movements and star alignments. Each zodiac sign receives a tailored forecast reflecting the astrological influences of the day. The readings aim to give readers insight into what they might expect across various aspects of their lives.

Salman Khan supports anti-paper-leak student protests, urges focus on education

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has publicly backed students protesting against paper leaks in India, describing the issue as 'very serious.' He took to Instagram to commend students for uniting in demand of a stronger education system, also recognizing the role of supportive parents. Khan stressed that the movement should remain centred on education and stay clear of political influence. However, he expressed concern and sadness over reports that some protests had turned violent, disrupting what had otherwise been a peaceful demonstration.

Death toll rises to 13 in Sikkim tunnel collapse as rescue ops continue

Rescue teams recovered one more body from the collapsed NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project tunnel in Sikkim on Wednesday. The latest recovery brought the total number of bodies retrieved from the site to 13. Officials confirmed that search and rescue operations are still ongoing at the tunnel. The incident occurred at the hydropower project site, where workers were trapped following the tunnel collapse.

Telangana engineer on govt payroll 20 years after unauthorised move to US

A Telangana Roads and Buildings engineer has remained on government rolls for nearly two decades despite relocating to the United States in 2006 without obtaining mandatory approval. He returned briefly at some point but has largely been absent from his official duties. The state government has now launched formal disciplinary proceedings against him on grounds of misconduct. The inquiry aims to frame charges and determine whether he should be terminated from service. The engineer has so far failed to submit a defense statement to the inquiry authority.

Tolstoy's Philosophy: How Releasing Blame Fosters Personal Growth

Leo Tolstoy, the celebrated Russian writer and thinker, left a lasting impact on global leaders through his ideas on human nature and society. His literary works delved deeply into psychological and social complexities, while his personal philosophy championed compassion and non-violence. Tolstoy believed that assigning blame hinders growth, and that meaningful change must begin at the individual level. His teachings continue to influence people today, encouraging inner transformation as the foundation for healthier relationships and a better society.

Plainclothes Police at CJP Protest Sparks Debate Over Identification Rules

The deployment of plainclothes police officers wielding lathis during a CJP protest has drawn criticism due to the absence of uniforms and identification. Senior police officials defended the practice, stating it is necessary for intelligence gathering and managing large crowds. Such undercover deployments are not new, though they create ambiguity and confusion during public demonstrations. While no strict rule prohibits the practice, police leadership has now begun discouraging it. Officers have been advised to avoid plainclothes deployment unless situations escalate or there is a shortage of uniformed personnel.

Volunteers Rally to Support CJP Protest at Jantar Mantar Through Scorching Heat

A citizen-led support network has kept the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar going despite harsh weather conditions. Volunteers have been distributing water and providing shade to demonstrators facing intense heat. Many of these helpers joined without any formal coordination or prior assignment. Both young and elderly participants have shown strong solidarity and determination throughout. This grassroots effort has been critical in sustaining the protest against the odds.

‘My mother doesn’t know I am injured’: Protesters stand firm at Jantar Mantar

Tapeworm parasite extends ant worker lifespan by mimicking queen biology

A parasitic tapeworm found in Germany has been shown to significantly extend the lifespan of worker ants by altering their genetics to resemble those of queen ants. Infected worker ants become less active and quieter within their colonies compared to healthy counterparts. The parasite appears to manipulate the ants' regulatory genetic networks to improve its own chances of survival. Researchers say the findings offer new insights into the genetic mechanisms that govern aging processes in insects.

Chhattisgarh CM Eyes Winter Session for Uniform Civil Code Bill

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister has indicated that a Uniform Civil Code bill is likely to be introduced during the upcoming winter session of the state legislature. The announcement signals the ruling government's intent to push forward with the legislation in the near term. The Chief Minister also highlighted that the state is undertaking multiple initiatives aimed at the economic empowerment of women. One such scheme already in place is the 'Mahatari Vandan Yojana,' which forms part of the government's broader welfare agenda for women.

2,000+ Detained in J&K After Terrorist Attack Kills Police Officer in Anantnag

Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi, 35, was killed after terrorists opened fire on a police party stationed at a busy market in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack prompted authorities to launch a sweeping crackdown across the region. More than 2,000 individuals have been detained in connection with the incident. The security operation reflects the administration's effort to identify and apprehend those responsible for the deadly assault.