India

UP Deputy CM Maurya links madrassa education to extremism, draws sharp criticism

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya made controversial remarks claiming that madrassa graduates develop a terrorist-like mindset. Speaking to reporters at Vidhan Bhavan, he alleged that students from such institutions do not chant patriotic slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' or sing 'Vande Mataram'. His comments were reported by news agency PTI. The remarks drew strong condemnation from senior Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav.

India distances itself from Hasina’s planned media interaction, ‘government has no involvement’, says MEA

Child sex abuse material, account moderation: Centre’s red flags for Meta

US Official Says Hormuz Strait Deal With Iran Expected Within Days

A senior aide to US President Donald Trump has indicated that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached 'today or tomorrow.' The comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent aligned with remarks made by Trump himself on Monday. Trump had expressed confidence that the critical waterway could be reopened within hours. The development comes after Trump stepped back from earlier threats of a large-scale military strike against Iran.

Make-A-Wish boy with heart condition signs with Panthers, scores touchdown

Six-year-old Asher Harvey, who was born with a serious heart condition and has had multiple surgeries, lived out his dream of being an NFL player through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Carolina Panthers signed him to a symbolic one-day contract as part of the wish-granting experience. Asher met Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and participated in team activities during the event. He capped the day by scoring a touchdown at the team's Fan Fest, bringing joy to his family. The milestone marked a celebratory moment for the family after years of navigating significant medical challenges.

US Forest Service plants 71,000 trees to restore California's Ranch Fire scar

The US Forest Service and its partners have planted 71,000 conifer seedlings across California's Mendocino National Forest, completing the effort in just eight days. The reforestation drive targets land devastated by the Ranch Fire, which scorched over 459,000 acres eight years ago. The initiative is part of a broader long-term strategy to restore the damaged forest ecosystem. Authorities also aim to reduce the risk of future wildfires and support the natural recovery of the affected region.

How Charlie Munger Turned Personal Tragedy and Hardship Into Billionaire Success

Charlie Munger, the renowned investor, endured a series of devastating personal setbacks, including the death of his son, the breakdown of his marriage, and the loss of his vision following a surgical complication. He also faced serious financial difficulties during his life. Rather than abandoning his ambitions, Munger responded to adversity with relentless self-education and disciplined thinking. This steadfast approach gradually allowed him to overcome his circumstances and build a formidable financial legacy.

India Distances Itself From Sheikh Hasina's Upcoming Delhi Virtual Press Conference

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to address a virtual press conference hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Delhi. India has formally distanced itself from the event, stating it has no involvement in or endorsement of the gathering. The Indian government's position signals a careful diplomatic stance regarding Hasina's public activities on Indian soil. This comes amid ongoing political sensitivity surrounding Hasina's presence in India following her departure from Bangladesh.

Helicopters Emerge as Key Counter-Drone Platforms Amid Global UAV Threat

Modern battlefields worldwide are grappling with a surge in drone usage, creating urgent demand for effective countermeasures. Helicopters are increasingly being identified as versatile and effective platforms for intercepting and neutralizing hostile drones. Affordable weapons and guided rockets are being adapted specifically for anti-drone operations mounted on these aircraft. India is also working on developing its own indigenous counter-drone solutions to strengthen its aerial warfare capabilities. These efforts are largely driven by the need to address the growing economic imbalance between cheap offensive drones and costly traditional air defense systems.

Cisco warns hackers are exploiting AI coding tools to build malware and launch attacks

Cisco has raised an alarm that cybercriminals are using advanced generative AI models — including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, and Gemini — to create malware and automate cyberattacks. Researchers found that threat actors can easily bypass built-in AI safety guardrails through basic social engineering techniques. Attackers are also using stolen credentials to run malicious operations on corporate computing infrastructure. The same AI capabilities developed to aid cybersecurity are increasingly being turned against it by bad actors. Cisco cautioned organizations not to rely solely on AI model safeguards and to adopt broader cybersecurity measures.

Bhutia, Bhaker urge respectful protest language amid PM Modi abuse row

Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has acknowledged citizens' right to protest but cautioned against the use of abusive language, particularly when directed at the Prime Minister. Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker echoed this sentiment, appealing to young people to maintain respectful speech. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the controversy by stating he did not wish to see the protesters punished. He described their conduct as mistakes, expressing hope that they would reflect on and learn from their actions.

IAF to equip Garud special forces with .50 BMG sniper rifles and loitering munitions

The Indian Air Force is procuring .50 BMG high-power sniper rifles to bolster the capabilities of its Garud Special Forces unit. The new weapons are intended to significantly increase the commandos' engagement range and anti-material effectiveness in the field. Alongside the rifles, the Garuds will also be equipped with suppressors and thermal scopes. The IAF is additionally seeking indigenous man-portable loitering munitions to enable precision strike capabilities. Together, these acquisitions are aimed at strengthening the operational independence and combat readiness of the Garud commandos.

Rangers and Canadiens lead race to sign free-agent winger Eeli Tolvanen

Finnish winger Eeli Tolvanen became a free agent after his contract with the Seattle Kraken expired following the last NHL season. The 25-year-old had a strong performance with Seattle before his departure. Both the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens have emerged as the leading candidates to sign him. The interest comes ahead of NHL training camp, making a decision likely in the near term.

Greenland sharks retain functional vision for centuries, study finds

New research has overturned the long-held belief that Greenland sharks are nearly blind, revealing that their visual systems remain well-preserved across their exceptionally long lifespans. Scientists found that the sharks' eyes are specially adapted for low-light conditions, suggesting strong evolutionary suitability for their deep, dark ocean habitat. Examination of their eyes revealed healthy rod cells and active genes linked to light detection, indicating sustained visual function. These findings highlight the remarkable biological adaptability of Greenland sharks, which are among the longest-living vertebrates on Earth.

India distances itself from private event featuring exiled Bangladesh PM Hasina

India's Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that the government has no role in an August 5 event involving former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The event is being organised by a private media entity, according to the MEA. Bangladesh had sought clarification from India over its perceived support for the forum. Hasina has been living in Delhi since she resigned in August 2024 following political turmoil in her country. She currently faces a death sentence in Bangladesh on charges of crimes against humanity.

Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hits Severe Turbulence, 17 Injured

An Air India flight traveling from Phuket to Delhi experienced severe turbulence on Tuesday morning. The aircraft underwent a sudden loss of altitude, resulting in injuries to 17 passengers and crew members. One cabin crew member suffered serious injuries, while the remaining victims sustained minor wounds. Several passengers reported being thrown from their seats during the frightening episode. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated a formal investigation into the incident.

'Insult to nation': Mamata attacks BJP over Netaji remarks, armtwisting TMC leaders

Rahul Gandhi rejects Modi's 'forgiveness', demands apology to student protesters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Friday that he would forgive young protesters who had allegedly abused him and his late mother, describing them as misguided children. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed back, questioning Modi's authority to offer forgiveness in the matter. Gandhi argued that students deserve an apology, not forgiveness, framing the issue around a failing education system. He shared images on X of his meetings with parents and students affected by the unrest. Gandhi emphasized that every young life lost leaves families with lasting grief and unanswered questions about systemic failures.

Prashant Kishor's Bankipur Bypoll Win Raises Questions About RJD's Vote Bank

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has won the Bankipur bypoll, sparking discussion among political analysts. His victory has prompted speculation about whether his new party could eat into the Rashtriya Janata Dal's traditional support base. The RJD, led by Tejashwi Yadav, has long relied on a loyal voter bloc in Bihar. Kishor's win is being seen as an early test of his political outfit's ability to challenge established parties in the state.

Govt Tests 2,000+ Fuel Samples, Finds Only 2 Adulteration Cases Nationwide

The Ministry of Petroleum has introduced strengthened fuel quality measures, including multiple daily water ingress tests at petrol stations across the country. Over 2,000 fuel samples were examined for contaminants as part of a large-scale quality assessment. The findings revealed only two confirmed cases of adulteration, with fuel sales immediately suspended at the affected outlets. The Ministry has dismissed broader adulteration allegations, citing the low rate of violations as evidence of overall compliance. Authorities have also warned that strict penalties will be imposed on any future cases of fuel adulteration.