India

Gold Prices Under Pressure Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty: Weekly Outlook

Gold prices are trading on a weak note as of the week of July 20, according to market analysts. Geopolitical developments are keeping investors cautious, contributing to the downward pressure on the precious metal. Manav Modi, Senior Analyst for Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, highlighted these factors as key drivers of the current trend. The uncertain global environment is prompting investors to reassess their positions in gold markets.

Assam floods halt train services: Indian Railways suspends operations in Simaluguri

Lockheed Martin develops low-cost Patriot interceptor to counter drone and missile threats

Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new, more affordable interceptor called the PAC-3 ACE, designed for the Patriot air defence system. The missile is priced at less than half the cost of existing interceptor options, making it more accessible for allied nations. It employs Hit-to-Kill technology to neutralise incoming drones and missiles. Initial production is expected to commence within 36 months, with support from industry partners. The development comes in response to escalating global conflicts and the emergence of new, lower-cost weaponry from rival manufacturers.

Rohit Sharma scores 138 at Lord's, dismisses retirement speculation

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma scored 138 runs against England at Lord's, nearly steering India to a record chase. The innings has put retirement speculation surrounding him to rest, at least temporarily. Sharma stated that his focus remains solely on contributing to the team's success. He brushed aside external chatter about his future, saying he pays no attention to outside noise. The strong performance keeps Sharma firmly in contention for selection in upcoming matches.

IT Firms Delay Campus Hiring, Rethink Graduate Recruitment Model

Major IT companies are deferring onboarding of campus recruits and quietly withdrawing job offers amid shifting business priorities. Joining dates are being pushed back and increasingly linked to fluctuating demand and administrative constraints. Fresh graduates are facing growing uncertainty as firms cite complex training requirements and evolving business needs. The industry is undergoing a structural shift, moving away from bulk graduate hiring toward recruiting candidates with more specialized skills. Analysts see this as a sign that the traditional pyramid-shaped campus hiring model in Indian IT is flattening.

Ramayana Part 1 trailer leaks online after Delhi preview event

A 1-minute-28-second clip from the upcoming film Ramayana: Part 1 was leaked online following its exclusive screening at the Pratham Sankalp event in New Delhi. Producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari have launched an aggressive anti-piracy campaign in response to the leak. The official trailer is scheduled for release on July 24. The Delhi event also saw lead actor Yash address the audience in Hindi, while Ranbir Kapoor apologised for attending despite suffering from conjunctivitis. Kapoor also paid tribute to veteran actors Sunny Deol and Arun Govil at the event.

Pakistan Reverts to Terror Tactics as Taliban Tensions and PoK Crisis Mount

Pakistan is reportedly falling back on its longstanding use of militant proxies amid growing internal and regional pressures. China has raised concerns at the highest levels of Pakistani leadership over the safety of its personnel and infrastructure projects in the country. These warnings have placed Army Chief General Asim Munir under significant pressure to ensure security and deliver tangible results. The situation is further complicated by instability in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and deteriorating relations with the Afghan Taliban.

Telangana Police Bust Hidden Drug Lab at Poultry Farm, Seize 1kg Alprazolam

Telangana police conducted a raid on a poultry farm that was being used as a clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory. Officers seized over one kilogram of Alprazolam, a controlled benzodiazepine drug, during the operation. The seized drugs were valued at approximately Rs 20 lakhs. The farm's cover as a legitimate poultry business had been used to conceal the illegal drug production activity.

7-year-old girl raped in Barmer; neighbour arrested, SIT formed

A seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped in Barmer, Rajasthan, on Sunday evening. A neighbour lured the child to a deserted location under false pretences before allegedly assaulting her. The girl returned home in distress and recounted the incident to her family, who promptly took her to a hospital for medical examination. Police arrested the accused neighbour following the complaint. Authorities have constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the case.

Japan built a 'human refrigerator' that cools your body in just 5 minutes

'Not talking about some 56-year-old youth': PM Modi takes apparent swipe at Rahul Gandhi

Police Lathicharge CJP Supporters During March to Parliament Over NEET Irregularities

Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) had announced a 'Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Police resorted to a lathicharge as the demonstrators attempted to proceed toward Parliament, leading to chaotic scenes at the site. The demonstration was part of growing public outcry over concerns surrounding the conduct of the NEET exam. The incident resulted in disorder among the gathered crowd ahead of the planned march.

PM Modi lauds Skyroot's young team, takes veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Skyroot Aerospace team ahead of the Parliament monsoon session, highlighting that the average age of the startup's workforce is just 28 years. The remarks came in the context of the successful Vikram-1 orbital launch vehicle mission. Modi's comment about not referring to a '56-year-old youth' was widely seen as an indirect jab at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is 54. The PM expressed hope for a productive monsoon session of Parliament while making these remarks.

Police lathicharge CJP protesters attempting 'Chalo Sansad' march in Delhi

Protesters affiliated with the Campaign for Judicial Purity clashed with police and RAF personnel near Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Monday. The demonstrators attempted to march toward Parliament despite prohibitory orders being in effect in the area. Security across the New Delhi district had been heightened in view of the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Politicians Chandra Shekhar Azad and Prakash Raj voiced support for the agitating protesters. The CJP stated it remains willing to engage in dialogue with the government over examination reform issues.

DeepMind CEO Hassabis Predicts AGI by 2030, Calls for US-Led AI Watchdog

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has predicted that artificial general intelligence could emerge as early as 2030, urging society to begin preparing for its impact. While acknowledging concerns around AI-driven job displacement, Hassabis stressed that human creativity and original thinking will become increasingly valuable in an AI-driven world. He proposed the creation of a US-led regulatory body to oversee advanced AI models before they are publicly released. This watchdog would be responsible for testing frontier AI systems and coordinating industry-wide slowdowns if significant risks are identified.

Gill Denies Rohit Retirement Talks After Historic Lord's ODI Century

Speculation has grown around Rohit Sharma's ODI future ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, team captain Shubman Gill dismissed reports of any retirement discussions, saying the matter was being played out in the media. The 39-year-old Rohit silenced doubters with a commanding 138 off 110 balls against England at Lord's. The knock made him the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic ground. The innings came in his 19th year in ODI cricket, further underlining his enduring relevance in the format.

PM Modi's Dig At '56-Year-Old Youth' Rahul Gandhi Ahead Of Monsoon Session

CJP Protesters Clash with Delhi Police at Jantar Mantar Over Denied March Permit

Members of the Cockroach Janta Party gathered in Delhi to hold a protest march toward Parliament. Delhi Police had refused to grant the group permission to conduct the march. Authorities also imposed a ban on large gatherings in the area ahead of the planned demonstration. Despite the restrictions, protesters proceeded with their demonstration, leading to clashes with police at Jantar Mantar.

Odisha Woman Rescued by Drone After Fleeing Sexual Assault Bid in Forest

A woman in Odisha accepted a motorcycle ride from a man at Khurda bus stand, who then diverted her toward the Ratanpur Reserve Forest with intent to sexually assault her. She managed to escape the attacker but became lost inside the dense forest. Local police launched a search operation and deployed drones to locate her. The woman was successfully rescued and brought to safety by the authorities.

Wangchuk's wife challenges HC order, says it 'illegally confines' him to Safdarjung hospital