India

Wildfires Have Killed 17% of Mature Giant Sequoias Since 2015, Study Finds

A new study reveals that wildfires have destroyed 17% of mature giant sequoias since 2015, leaving numerous groves at serious risk. Only 26% of the remaining sequoia areas currently possess strong resistance to future wildfires. Conservation efforts are underway across 44 groves to restore the health and resilience of these ancient trees. Warmer winters combined with prolonged dry periods are increasing the likelihood of more destructive wildfires ahead.

Key things to know about reporting capital gains accurately in your ITR

The Income Tax Department is leveraging advanced technology, data analytics, and tools like the Annual Information Statement (AIS) to track financial transactions. Taxpayers who have sold shares, property, or cryptocurrency must ensure their returns are accurate and fully consistent with available data. Broker reports, mutual fund disclosures, and international information exchange are among the sources authorities now use for cross-verification. Filing an ITR today demands not just correct tax computation but also complete and transparent reporting of all capital asset transactions.

Telangana's Bharat Future City Stalls Despite 90 Developer Proposals

Bharat Future City is Telangana's large-scale plan to build a net-zero urban hub in southern Hyderabad, combining AI, life sciences, manufacturing, healthcare, and green infrastructure. The project has drawn 90 real estate proposals, signalling strong developer interest. However, progress has been hampered by slow approvals, insufficient staffing, and the lack of a finalised master plan. These hurdles are leaving developers uncertain about timelines and next steps.

Why Polarising Hindu Voters in Punjab Remains a Difficult Political Challenge

Mobilising Hindu voters as a distinct bloc in Punjab has historically been a difficult task for political parties. Most mainstream politicians claim they do not approach Hindus and Sikhs as separate vote banks, though ground realities suggest otherwise. The state's unique demographic and religious composition makes communal polarisation less straightforward than in other Indian states. Analysts note a gap between the public stance of political leaders and their actual electoral strategies when it comes to religious communities in Punjab.

Abhishek Banerjee's Office Razed in South 24 Parganas Amid Political Row

An office belonging to Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee was demolished in Amtala, located in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district. The Trinamool Congress has condemned the action, alleging it was carried out as an act of political vendetta. The incident has sparked a fresh controversy between rival political camps in the state. Further details regarding the authority responsible for the demolition and the official grounds cited have not been fully disclosed in available reports.

Rahul Gandhi Slams Centre Over Sonam Wangchuk's Removal From Jantar Mantar

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has condemned the central government's decision to remove climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Wangchuk had been staging an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days, demanding accountability over NEET examination irregularities and reforms in the education system. Authorities relocated him to Safdarjung Hospital for medical observation and treatment. Opposition leaders joined in criticising the government's move, describing it as an attempt to silence peaceful protest.

'Suspicious': Sonam Wangchuk's doctor rejects Safdurjung report claiming potassium deficiency

UP Woman and Lover Arrested for Killing Husband with Snake to Claim Rs 20L Insurance

A woman and her lover have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly murdering her husband to claim Rs 20 lakh in insurance money. The duo sedated the victim and placed a venomous snake in his blanket, causing his death by snakebite. The wife initially told authorities the death was accidental, but investigators grew suspicious and launched a deeper probe. Evidence including repeated phone calls and photographs of a snake pointed to a premeditated conspiracy. Both accused have since confessed to planning the killing with the help of snake charmers for financial gain.

US Federal Employees Permitted to Install TikTok on Government Devices

The US government has reversed its earlier restrictions, now allowing federal employees to download TikTok on their official devices. This marks a significant policy shift regarding the Chinese-owned short-video app, which had previously faced bans on government hardware over security concerns. TikTok had announced in January that it would retrain, test, and update its content recommendation algorithm using US user data as part of ongoing efforts to address American regulators' concerns. The move signals a thaw in the fraught relationship between US authorities and TikTok amid broader negotiations over the platform's future in the country.

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Threatens Air Quality Ahead of FIFA World Cup Final

Smoke drifting south from Canadian wildfires is degrading air quality across parts of the United States, raising concerns ahead of the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Meteorologists and tournament organisers are actively tracking air quality forecasts to assess any risk to the match. A Spanish midfielder noted the haze was clearly visible and felt during the team's outdoor training session. Despite the conditions, FIFA has expressed confidence that the championship game will go ahead as scheduled. Donald Trump has pointed to Canada as the source of what he called 'filthy air' affecting the region.

TDP functionary arrested after woman stripped, assaulted in Guntur water dispute

A woman in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, was publicly stripped and assaulted amid a dispute over a household water connection. A local Telugu Desam Party functionary was among those arrested in connection with the attack. Police have registered a case against eight individuals involved in the incident. Chief Minister condemned the assault and directed authorities to take strict legal action against the accused. The case has sparked widespread concern over women's safety and the need for swift justice.

Germany raises national security alert to high amid credible attack threats

Germany has elevated its national security threat level to high following intelligence reports indicating clear plans for attacks against the country and its citizens. The decision comes in the wake of recent deadly attacks that have intensified concerns over national security. The German Cabinet is expected to soon deliberate on reforms designed to expand the powers of intelligence agencies. These proposed changes would allow agencies to intervene directly in dangerous situations before attacks occur.

Goldman Sachs warns staff to avoid policy prediction markets or forfeit winnings

Goldman Sachs has issued a warning to its employees against placing bets on restricted prediction markets. Staff are permitted to participate only in sports and entertainment-related betting activities. Employees who violate this policy risk losing all their winnings, with repeat offenders facing potential termination. The firm introduced these measures to reduce the risk of insider information misuse and compliance breaches. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of prediction markets following recent incidents involving suspected information leaks.

7 killed as Ukrainian drones hit Russian warehouses, oil depot near Moscow

Manu Bhaker urges accountability over paper leak protests affecting students

Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker has spoken out on social media regarding the ongoing paper leak controversy in India. She expressed distress over the hardships faced by students due to the examination irregularities. Bhaker stressed that the issue transcends political lines and should be treated as a matter of national concern. She called for accountability from the responsible authorities to safeguard the academic futures of affected students.

India's Female Gangsters Go Digital, Targeting Youth on Social Media

India's female crime bosses have undergone a significant transformation, shifting from traditional mafia-style empires to younger, more localised operators. Unlike their predecessors, these new figures maintain a strong social media presence to project power and intimidate rivals. They increasingly recruit vulnerable young people using digital platforms as tools of influence. This shift reflects broader changes in the nature of organised crime across India. Law enforcement agencies are working to keep pace with these evolving criminal networks.

Nobody wants to wait on hold anymore. But can AI replace customer care?

US Faces Worst-Ever Cyclospora Outbreak With 1,600+ Cases Across 45 States

The United States is experiencing its largest recorded Cyclospora outbreak, with more than 1,600 confirmed cases reported across 45 states. Health authorities are actively investigating the source of the outbreak, with lettuce identified as a primary suspect. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness in infected individuals. Experts are urging the public to follow standard food safety and hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection. The current outbreak season is anticipated to continue through late August.

CJP has not sought Delhi Police clearance for July 20 Parliament march

Political and security tensions are mounting in New Delhi ahead of a planned demonstration by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The party has scheduled a march to Parliament on July 20, but has not yet applied for official permission from Delhi Police. Police sources disclosed this information on Saturday, raising questions about the event's legal standing. Authorities require prior clearance for such large-scale political gatherings in the capital, making the absence of an application notable.

NEET-UG row: Rahul says edu system must be rebuilt 'from scratch' to end paper leaks