India

Katrina Kaif faces fan backlash over silence on CJP protests

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif is facing criticism from fans for not publicly commenting on the ongoing CJP protests. A prominent fan page called 'katholic_fans' announced its shutdown, accusing the actress of lacking the courage to speak up for Indians. While some supporters argue that celebrities have the right to choose whether to voice political opinions, others have expressed disappointment at her silence. Several fellow Bollywood figures, including Shabana Azmi, Preity Zinta, and Sonu Sood, have already spoken out in support of the protests.

WTO Flags Key Trade Gaps India Must Address to Hit 2047 Export Goals

India has set an ambitious target to increase its share of global merchandise exports from around 1.8 percent in 2024 to nearly 10 percent by 2047. This goal is tied to the country's broader Viksit Bharat vision of becoming a developed nation by its centenary of independence. The World Trade Organization has identified critical structural and trade gaps that India must address to achieve this target. Bridging these gaps is seen as essential for India to significantly scale up its export competitiveness on the global stage.

BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi's PM residence march, plans nationwide counter-protests

The BJP launched a strong political response against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following his protest march toward the Prime Minister's residence. Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad condemned Gandhi's demonstration as irresponsible and unacceptable. In retaliation, the BJP announced plans to hold nationwide protests outside Congress offices across the country. Prasad also defended the police action taken during the march and emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining exam integrity. He further assured that individuals found involved in exam irregularities would be prosecuted and punished.

BCCI Centre of Excellence to assess dozen India players ahead of Sri Lanka Tests

The BCCI Centre of Excellence is preparing for a busy week as nearly twelve contracted and targeted Indian players are set to undergo fitness assessments and rehabilitation. The activity comes ahead of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. A string of injuries has prompted team management to take stock of player availability. With a demanding international schedule on the horizon, officials are focused on building a fully fit squad for the challenges ahead.

Gold Rate Today, July 22: Check 18, 22 and 24 carat gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other cities

‘Working with BJP’: AAP blames Congress after protest outside PM house

Chhattisgarh HC upholds divorce, rules Rs 2 cr demand and refusal to cohabit as cruelty

The Chhattisgarh High Court has upheld a family court's divorce order granted to a husband, dismissing his wife's appeal. The court found that the wife's refusal to live with her husband, combined with her demand of Rs 2 crore to consent to divorce proceedings, constituted mental cruelty. The high court ruled that these actions reflected an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The court upheld an alimony award of Rs 10 lakh in favour of the wife.

Allahabad HC Judge Condemns Corruption, Calls for Death Penalty in Graft Cases

An Allahabad High Court judge has strongly condemned corruption in India, making remarks about those involved in the theft of donations at the Ram Temple. The judge expressed that individuals shameless enough to steal religious donations are beyond redemption. The court called for amendments to existing laws to introduce the death penalty as a punishment for corruption. The remarks reflect growing judicial frustration over the persistence of corrupt practices in public and religious institutions.

Rupee slips 11 paise to 84.36 against dollar on crude surge, geopolitical risks

The Indian rupee opened weaker on Wednesday, declining 11 paise against the US dollar amid rising crude oil prices and escalating US-Iran geopolitical tensions. Demand for safe-haven assets added further pressure on the domestic currency. The Reserve Bank of India's intervention measures have been partially offsetting the rupee's fall. Indian equity markets also traded lower in early sessions on Wednesday. However, foreign institutional investors had remained net buyers of Indian equities in the previous trading session on Tuesday.

Rahul Gandhi’s detention to Centre’s outreach — where the CJP protest stands now

Google expands Miami offices as founders Page and Brin buy South Florida homes

Alphabet has significantly expanded its Miami office presence in 2024, coinciding with major residential real estate purchases by co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin in South Florida. The two tech billionaires have invested heavily in luxury properties across the region. Their moves come amid California's upcoming referendum proposing higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy. Other prominent tech executives have similarly acquired property in the area, suggesting a broader migration trend among Silicon Valley's elite.

India Spent $5.14 Billion on Russian Oil in June Amid Western Pressure

India purchased $5.14 billion worth of Russian oil in June, continuing its trend of diversifying crude imports despite international pressure to reduce reliance on Moscow. Indian refiners ramped up purchases not only from Russia but also from Latin American suppliers during this period. Simultaneously, India's oil imports from the Middle East saw a significant decline. The shift reflects India's strategy of seeking cost-effective crude sources to meet its growing energy demands. New Delhi has consistently maintained that its energy procurement decisions are guided by national interest and economic considerations.

David Warner pleads guilty to drink-driving charge, sentencing set for August 18

Former Australian cricketer David Warner has pleaded guilty to a drink-driving offence after being stopped during a random breath test in Sydney. His lawyer confirmed that Warner accepted full responsibility for his conduct. If convicted, he could face a driving ban, a substantial fine, and a prison sentence of up to nine months. The incident marks another controversy in Warner's already turbulent public career. Formal sentencing has been scheduled for August 18.

Two Saudi Oil Tankers Bound for India Reverse Course Due to Houthi Threats

Two Saudi oil tankers headed to India have made U-turns in the Red Sea amid threats from Yemen's Houthi militants. The course reversals signal a potential second major disruption to a critical Middle East shipping route. This development comes at a particularly sensitive time, as global energy markets are already strained by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The compounding disruptions raise fresh concerns about supply shortfalls and energy security for import-dependent nations like India.

France Bans Social Media for Under-15s, Phone Use in High Schools

France has become the first European Union country to legally prohibit children under the age of 15 from using social media. The legislation was passed by both chambers of the French Parliament. The law also bans the use of mobile phones in high schools across the country. The measures are expected to come into force by September.

Asian Markets Rally as Tech Stocks Rebound; Kospi Surges 6%, Nikkei Up 1,100 Points

Asian stock markets opened on a positive note, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street driven by a rebound in technology stocks. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan were among the top performers, with China's markets also posting gains. In the US, semiconductor stocks played a key role in pushing markets higher during the previous session. Oil prices continued their upward trend amid ongoing tensions in the Red Sea region. Investors are now turning their attention to upcoming earnings releases from major technology companies.

Pakistan asks US for $10bn lifeline to shore up struggling economy: Report

'Main bhi cockroach': Student protests against NEET reach New York, London - watch

US Starter Homes Return, But Affordability Still Blocks First-Time Buyers

The availability of starter homes in the United States has improved, giving budget-conscious buyers more options to choose from. The Southern US is leading this recovery, largely driven by a surge in new construction activity. However, regions like the Midwest and Northeast continue to struggle with persistent housing supply shortages. Despite greater availability overall, purchasing a starter home now demands significantly higher income than it did previously. Affordability therefore remains a major barrier for first-time buyers across much of the country.

Independent autopsy on Nolan Wells to be released at NAACP convention

Family attorney Ben Crump is set to reveal findings from an independent autopsy on 18-year-old Nolan Wells at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday. Wells died following a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, under circumstances that have drawn public scrutiny. He was the only Black individual among a group of white friends on the trip and the only one who did not return. The state's official autopsy remains incomplete, pending a toxicology review. Civil rights figures, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, have called for greater transparency into the circumstances of his death.