India

Centre releases details of LPG cylinder subsidy and rates since 2022

India's Urban Loneliness Crisis Fuels a Growing Silver Economy

India is experiencing a rising loneliness crisis driven by rapid urbanization and an ageing population. Shifting social structures have left both young urban migrants and older adults feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected. In response, a so-called 'silver economy' is emerging, offering market-based services aimed at providing companionship and care. Experts emphasize that loneliness must be treated as a fundamental human need, not merely a lifestyle concern. The trend signals a broader societal reckoning with the emotional costs of modern urban life in India.

Four Men Die After Entering Abandoned Well to Rescue Calf in Haryana

Four men lost their lives after entering an abandoned well in a village in Jhajjar district, Haryana. The incident began when a calf fell into the well, prompting the men to attempt a rescue. Authorities launched a rescue operation and managed to pull the men out of the well. They were rushed to a nearby hospital but were declared dead on arrival. Jhajjar's Police Commissioner Rajshree Singh confirmed the deaths to reporters.

Avengers: Doomsday trailer released, RDJ returns as villain Doctor Doom

The Russo Brothers have officially dropped the trailer for Avengers: Doomsday, one of Marvel's most anticipated upcoming films. The footage brings together the Fantastic Four and original Avengers as they prepare to face a major threat. Thor is shown rallying the heroes around the theme of unity, while Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom appears to be the central antagonist. The trailer has been widely praised by fans for its action sequences and emotional depth. Avengers: Doomsday is currently slated for a December 18, 2026 theatrical release.

Sonam Wangchuk Vows to Continue Fast Despite Government Meeting Protesters

Climate activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk has declared he will continue his hunger strike even after the government held talks with demonstrators supporting his cause. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, shared a handwritten note from Wangchuk on social media expressing his solidarity with the protesters. The demonstrators are mobilized under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Wangchuk's message indicated that the government's engagement with protesters has not satisfied his demands, and he remains committed to his fast.

Delhi Police Use Tear Gas, Batons on Students Marching to Parliament Over Exam Scandal

Delhi Police fired tear gas and used batons against student protesters on Monday who were attempting to march to Parliament. The demonstrators were demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in major national examinations. The controversies include question paper leaks and technical glitches that have undermined the credibility of the exams. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the police action, stating that tear-gassing and lathi-charging students is not in keeping with India's values.

RBI Raises FY27 Inflation Forecast to 5.1% Citing Conflict and Monsoon Risks

The Reserve Bank of India has revised its inflation outlook upward in its June monetary policy review. The central bank raised its FY27 CPI inflation forecast to 5.1 per cent, up from the earlier projection of 4.6 per cent. The revision reflects growing concerns over geopolitical conflict and uncertain monsoon conditions, both of which can drive up prices. These risk factors are seen as already exerting upward pressure on inflation in the economy.

Brin Spends $82M to Block California Billionaire Tax as Sanders Hits Back

Google co-founder Sergey Brin is funding an $82 million campaign to defeat California's Proposition 40, a one-time 5% wealth tax targeting billionaires. Senator Bernie Sanders publicly condemned the effort, calling it a 'moral obscenity' and accusing Brin of prioritizing personal wealth over the welfare of low-income Americans. The proposition is a ballot measure aimed at generating revenue from the state's wealthiest residents. Policy analyst Patrick Hedger pushed back against the criticism, arguing that Brin's contributions to society extend beyond finances. Hedger credited Google's search engine with helping him locate a doctor who successfully treated a serious vision condition after four other physicians had failed.

Wangchuk Vows to Continue Hunger Strike Amid Crackdown on Student Protesters

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has declared he will maintain his hunger strike following a police crackdown on demonstrators near Parliament. He is demanding that youth leaders be granted access to parliamentarians, or that he himself be permitted to meet them. Wangchuk urged authorities to allow students to peacefully present their grievances to elected representatives. Thousands of protesters had marched toward Parliament calling for the Education Minister's resignation over alleged examination irregularities. Police responded with tear gas and force, resulting in the detention of several demonstrators during the march.

Ashwin flags selection bias between batters and bowlers in Indian cricket

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that dropping senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is virtually impossible given their record-breaking careers and massive fan bases. Ashwin pointed to a clear disparity in how batters and bowlers are treated within Indian cricket's selection framework. He noted that bowlers attract far less public support and face minimal backlash when they are dropped from the squad. In contrast, removing an iconic batter like Rohit or Kohli would likely trigger widespread outrage among fans. Ashwin's remarks have drawn attention to what he sees as an imbalance in how player selection decisions are scrutinised in India.

Is all well in Balen Shah's Nepal? Why protests are testing his promise of change

China's Rare Earth Magnet Exports to US Stay Low Despite Trump-Xi Trade Deal

A trade agreement between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping included commitments to maintain supplies of critical materials, notably rare-earth magnets. The deal, reached in October, was intended to pause the ongoing trade war between the two nations. Despite this agreement, China's exports of rare-earth magnets to the United States have remained at low levels. The gap between diplomatic commitments and actual trade flows raises questions about the practical impact of the truce on critical supply chains.

US Report: Cuba Ran One of Most Damaging Spy Operations in American History

A US State Department report has accused Cuba of conducting a prolonged espionage campaign targeting the United States. The report described the operation as one of the most persistent and harmful foreign intelligence infiltrations in the country's history. According to the findings, Cuban intelligence managed to penetrate the highest levels of the American government. The report highlights the long-running nature of the alleged campaign, suggesting it spanned several decades.

Argentina's Ambassador Thanks Indian Fans After World Cup Final Loss to Spain

Argentina's Ambassador to India publicly expressed gratitude to Indian football fans for their support of the national team during the FIFA World Cup. The Argentine side, known as the Albiceleste, reached the tournament's final but were ultimately defeated by Spain. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal for Spain during extra time, sealing Argentina's defeat. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was notable for his performance, making several key saves throughout the match. The ambassador's gesture underscored the strong bond that exists between Indian football supporters and the Argentine national team.

Study identifies UK mosquito species capable of spreading avian malaria

A new landmark study has identified specific mosquito species in the UK that are capable of transmitting avian malaria to birds. Researchers examined twelve mosquito species, finding that nine of them carried traces of the bird disease. The Ochlerotatus detritus mosquito is particularly suspected of transmitting the Plasmodium vaughani parasite to blackbirds. Several other species were also flagged as potential carriers of parasites that could pose a threat to various native bird populations.

'Disgusting what govt is doing': Rahul slams police action against protesters; shares video

Two Students Electrocuted as Rath Yatra Chariot Hits Live Wire in Jharkhand

Two students were killed and at least seven others injured during a Rath Yatra procession in Jharkhand. The tragedy occurred when the religious chariot came into contact with a live overhead power line carrying 11,000 volts. The victims were among a group of boys participating in or witnessing the procession. The incident highlights serious safety concerns around the management of overhead electrical infrastructure during public religious events.

Electrical Safety Failures Claim Lives Across India, Spark Demand for Audits

A series of fatal electrocution incidents across India has exposed widespread electrical safety failures in public spaces and institutions. Victims include a teenager at a fair, a child in a Delhi park, an engineer in Noida, and four family members in a Maharashtra village. A Chennai man also lost his life while attempting to save his family from electrocution. The Noida engineer's death has triggered criminal proceedings against the local electricity department. These tragedies have prompted calls for urgent safety audits, particularly in schools in Ghaziabad that face risks from high-tension lines.

Houthis Declare Maritime Blockade on Saudi Arabia After Abha Airport Strike

Yemen's Houthi movement has declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia amid escalating hostilities between the two sides. The Houthis fired missiles at Abha airport in southern Saudi Arabia last Monday in a retaliatory move. The strike came after the Yemeni government said it had targeted Sanaa airport to prevent an Iranian flight carrying a Houthi delegation from landing. The tit-for-tat exchanges signal a sharp escalation in the long-running conflict between Houthi forces and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

Maple Leafs social media post fuels James van Riemsdyk reunion speculation

The Toronto Maple Leafs sparked NHL free agency speculation after posting a social media update featuring former forward James van Riemsdyk. No signing has been confirmed, but the timing of the post has prompted widespread discussion of a potential reunion. Van Riemsdyk recently completed a 31-point season with the Detroit Red Wings. His veteran experience and recent productive form have made him an attractive option for the Leafs.