India

US Army Exhausts Annual AI Token Budget Within Weeks of Granting Broad Access

The US Army burned through its entire yearly allocation of AI processing tokens in just a few weeks after opening access widely to its personnel. Military leadership was forced to reimpose strict usage restrictions across departments following the rapid depletion. The incident underscores growing concerns about unchecked generative AI consumption within large organizations. It also comes at a time when cloud computing costs are rising sharply, adding financial pressure to AI deployments. The Pentagon's experience reflects what experts are calling one of the most significant operational challenges facing AI adoption today.

Congress stages surprise dharna at PM's residence, demands Modi's resignation

Congress leaders held an unannounced protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi, catching both government officials and many of their own party members off guard. The demonstrators demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Modi as well as the Union Education Minister. Senior party figures Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were forcibly removed from the protest site by police. The government dispatched officials to the scene in an attempt to persuade the opposition leaders to disperse.

Brain circuits found to control task-switching in leaderless honeybee colonies

Scientists have discovered that specific brain circuits play a key role in how honeybee colonies organise work without any central leader. Researchers identified a neural circuit linked to gene activity that governs how bees divide and switch tasks. By altering this circuit, they were able to make older worker bees revert to queen-care duties typically performed only by younger bees. The findings shed new light on how complex social behaviour is coordinated in bee colonies.

Florida boy, 11, logs 100 hours reading to shelter animals in two years

Nehemiah Turner, an 11-year-old from Florida, has become the first child to complete 100 hours of reading to animals at the Jacksonville Humane Society. Over two years, he participated in the shelter's Pawsitive Reading programme, reading books to dogs and cats awaiting adoption. The initiative aims to calm rescue animals and improve their chances of being rehomed. Nehemiah received special recognition for reaching this milestone, which no child participant had previously achieved.

Messi Returns to Rosario After World Cup Final Loss, Skips Public Appearance

Football star Lionel Messi travelled back to his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, following the national team's defeat in the World Cup final. Hundreds of fans gathered at the location for hours hoping to catch a glimpse of their captain, but Messi did not appear publicly. His SUV was briefly spotted leaving the airport en route to his family home. The visit is also expected to include a reunion with his father, who has been receiving medical treatment.

Russia Acknowledges India's Protest Over Ukraine Ship Deaths, Vows to Continue Strikes

Russia has stated it is in contact with India following the deaths of Indian nationals in Ukraine, but indicated that military strikes will continue. India lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Moscow after a merchant vessel, MV Golden Leo, was struck near Ukraine's port of Odesa. The ship, sailing under a Guinea-Bissau flag, was hit as it was departing the port on Sunday. The incident prompted New Delhi to formally raise concerns with Russian authorities over the safety of Indian citizens in the conflict zone.

Why allies couldn’t keep their Delhi date with Omar Abdullah

Gates Foundation clears itself of Epstein misconduct, tightens governance rules

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has completed an external review into its past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, finding no evidence of wrongdoing. The foundation stated that its primary dealings with Epstein were limited to discussions around a potential fund and polio eradication grants. Following the review, the Governing Board unanimously adopted a set of new governance measures to strengthen oversight. These include centralized vetting procedures and more robust conflict-of-interest policies. The foundation said the changes reflect its ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining public trust.

Jantar Mantar echo in Tamil Nadu: Rapper Arivu detained during protest, later invited by Vijay

India shifts to Russian and Latin American crude amid Middle East supply drop

India has increased its crude oil imports from Russia and Latin American nations to compensate for a decline in Middle Eastern supplies. The reduction in Gulf crude flows was triggered by disruptions to shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically critical waterway. India's ability to ramp up Russian oil purchases was enabled after Washington issued a temporary sanctions waiver. The move reflects India's strategy of diversifying its energy sources to maintain stable supply levels. The shift underscores how geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are reshaping global crude trade flows.

Rain fury continues in J&K, government extends school holidays, suspends all pilgrimages

Man Kills Wife and Two Daughters Before Dying by Suicide in Mysuru

A man in Karnataka's Mysuru district allegedly murdered his wife and two daughters before taking his own life, according to police. The incident represents a case of familicide, with the man killing his immediate family members before ending his own life. Authorities have confirmed the deaths of all four individuals involved. Police are currently investigating the circumstances and possible motive behind the tragic incident.

Blatter says politics undermined 2026 World Cup credibility, urges football reclaim

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly criticised the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming the tournament lost credibility due to political interference. He called on fans and football associations to take back the sport from political influence. The expanded 48-team tournament concluded with Spain defeating Argentina to claim the title. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, however, pointed to record-breaking attendance and viewership numbers as markers of success. Despite the off-field controversies, the competition drew strong on-field performances and significant global viewership.

Trump Plans New Tariffs on Multiple Nations as India Trade Talks Hit Roadblock

US President Donald Trump is planning to impose fresh tariffs on numerous countries, including India. The move is expected to have significant consequences for global trade flows and financial markets. Trade deal negotiations between India and the United States are facing potential complications as a result. The Trump administration has cited unfair trade practices and forced labor concerns as justification for the measures. The development marks a further escalation of trade tensions with wide-ranging impacts on international commerce.

IIT Roorkee Issues Advisory Against Political Activity, Later Clarifies

IIT Roorkee issued an advisory on July 20 warning students against participation in political movements. The notice surfaced amid intensifying student-led protests across India, particularly in Delhi. The demonstrations were demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination-related controversies. Following the advisory, the institution subsequently issued a clarification regarding the notice.

Norfolk village builds £35,000 leaky dams to prevent repeat of 2020 floods

A village in Norfolk, England, has installed four beaver-inspired 'leaky dams' designed to slow the natural flow of water and reduce flood risk. The project, costing £35,000, was prompted by severe flooding the community experienced in 2020. The dams mimic the water-slowing effect of beaver-built structures found in nature. The initiative comes at a paradoxical time, as East Anglia is simultaneously facing a hosepipe ban amid an extreme drought. The project reflects how communities are adapting to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns driven by climate change.

How NASA Picks Astronauts: Psych Tests, Team Simulations and More

NASA's astronaut selection process goes well beyond academic credentials, involving multiple demanding evaluation stages. Candidates are subjected to psychological testing designed to assess mental resilience under stress. Psychologists deliberately engineer high-pressure scenarios to observe how applicants handle composure and collaboration. Team-based simulations further test candidates' ability to work effectively with others in challenging conditions. The rigorous process is structured to ensure only the most adaptable individuals are ultimately selected for space missions.

The Daily Catch-Up: Parliament showdown, Delhi protests and more

Doctor, nurse, CEO, caregiver: We tested how AI imagines gender

Argentina's 2022 World Cup Final Conduct Questioned Over New Referee Influence Footage

Newly surfaced footage from the 2022 FIFA World Cup final has raised fresh questions about Argentina's conduct during the match. The footage allegedly shows Nicolas Tagliafico feigning injury shortly after Enzo Fernandez received a red card. Lionel Messi was seen rushing toward the referee and gesturing toward the fallen Tagliafico, in what critics view as an attempt to influence the official's decision. Despite the apparent intervention, the referee upheld Fernandez's dismissal. Spain ultimately won the match to claim their second World Cup title.