India

Aamir Khan denies 3 Idiots character was based on Sonam Wangchuk

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has publicly refuted the widely held belief that his '3 Idiots' character Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by activist Sonam Wangchuk. Khan made this clarification during an interaction at the London Film Festival. He described the connection as a misconception that has long circulated among fans. At the same time, the actor expressed genuine concern over Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike. Khan said he hopes the protest reaches a positive and healthy resolution.

Trump claims Obama, Biden benefited from ‘cover-up’ of China’s 2020 election meddling

Microsoft security chief restructures teams, cuts jobs in AI cybersecurity push

Microsoft's newly appointed security chief Hayete Gallot has undertaken a significant reorganisation of the company's security division, replacing senior executives and merging engineering teams. The shake-up has resulted in hundreds of job cuts as the company shifts its focus toward AI-powered cybersecurity. In an internal memo to staff, Gallot stated that the industry is being transformed and that early, difficult decisions will define the winners. The restructuring is partly driven by Microsoft's effort to capture AI security spending that is currently flowing to competitors such as OpenAI and Anthropic.

Andhra Woman and Lover Allegedly Murder Husband at Tamil Nadu Temple

A 23-year-old man named Ramesh, a resident of Sulagiri in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district, was allegedly killed by his wife Hasini, 19, and her lover during a temple visit. The couple had been married for approximately two years at the time of the incident. The attack reportedly took place while the couple's child was also present at the temple. Authorities have launched an investigation into the alleged murder, with Hasini and her accomplice believed to be the prime suspects.

NHRC Issues Notice to Telangana Over Alleged Compulsory Islamic Lessons in School

The National Human Rights Commission has sent a formal notice to the Telangana state government following a complaint about a private college. The institution was accused of assigning Islamic religious lessons and prayers as mandatory homework for all students. The NHRC has asked state authorities to submit a detailed report addressing these allegations. The matter is still developing, with further details yet to emerge.

'Cyber threat to democracy': Trump says Russia, Iran & China interfered in US polls

Asian Markets Decline as Oil Prices Surge Nearly 12% on US-Iran Tensions

Asian markets fell as investor sentiment turned cautious amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Oil prices surged nearly 12% over the week following US-Iran military strikes, raising fears over potential disruptions to Gulf oil supplies. The spike in crude prices added pressure to global equity markets, with India's Sensex expected to open flat. Concerns over supply chain stability in the Gulf region have kept traders on edge, influencing market movements across Asia.

NEET UG 2026 Topper Aryan Gupta Credits 16-Hour Daily Study for AIR 1 Rank

The National Testing Agency has declared NEET UG 2026 results, with over 11.21 lakh candidates clearing the exam for medical admissions. Punjab's Aryan Gupta achieved a joint All India Rank 1 by scoring 715 marks in the examination. He attributed his top performance to rigorous daily study sessions lasting 16 to 17 hours and consistent perseverance. Gupta, who aspires to specialise in oncology, encouraged future medical aspirants to stay determined and never give up on their goals.

India coach flags Rohit Sharma's lean patch after back-to-back low scores

India head coach has acknowledged Rohit Sharma's poor form after the captain managed only 26 runs off 47 balls in the second ODI against England in Cardiff on Thursday. Rohit looked unconvincing throughout his innings, scoring just 10 runs in the Powerplay even as India's opening stand progressed briskly to 61/1. He was eventually dismissed attempting a sweep shot off Will Jacks' bowling. England won the match by four wickets to level the three-match ODI series at 1-1. The coach noted that Rohit has failed to make a significant contribution across two consecutive games.

Gujarat's Lion Population Growth Creates New Wildlife Management Challenges

Lion populations in Gujarat are expanding beyond their traditional sanctuary boundaries. The big cats are increasingly venturing into agricultural fields, open grasslands, and coastal areas. This territorial expansion presents fresh challenges for wildlife authorities managing human-animal coexistence. The growing pride numbers, while a conservation success, are now testing the capacity of existing protected zones to contain the animals.

Man killed, 3 soldiers injured in firing in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda

Trump Claims China Stole 220 Million US Voter Files, Declassifies Election Documents

President Donald Trump has alleged that China compromised the personal data of 220 million American voters. He announced the declassification of intelligence documents related to foreign election interference. Trump further claimed that senior intelligence officials had deliberately withheld this information from him and Congress. He also warned that US election systems remain vulnerable to outside interference. The announcement was made as Republicans gear up for the upcoming midterm elections.

Messi Defends Argentina After Dramatic Late Comeback Win Over England

Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a tense semifinal on Wednesday, overturning a 1-0 deficit after the 85th minute to secure a spot in the final. The stunning late comeback prompted criticism and favouritism claims against the South American side. Captain Lionel Messi pushed back firmly against those allegations, insisting that nothing was handed to his team. Argentina will now face Spain in the final on Sunday.

NCP on edge as NCP (SP) signals possible tilt toward NDA alliance

Tensions have surfaced within the NCP after senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare held a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis without informing Sunetra Pawar. Speculation is growing that the NCP (SP) faction may be moving closer to joining the NDA government. Jayant Patil's separate meetings with BJP leaders have further fuelled these political rumours. Sunetra Pawar's faction is reportedly worried about losing political influence should NCP (SP) formally align with the alliance. Talks around the finance portfolio and internal party leadership continue to add to the uncertainty.

Bajaj Broking Picks Adani Power and IndusInd Bank as Top Buys for July 17

Bajaj Broking Research has issued buy recommendations for two stocks — Adani Power and IndusInd Bank — on July 17, 2026. The brokerage firm has set target prices for both stocks with a one-month investment horizon. These recommendations are intended to guide short-term traders and investors looking for near-term gains. Investors are advised to review the specific target prices and risk factors before making any decisions.

FBI arrests Indian-origin gangster Nitish Kaushal in Vermont after most-wanted listing

The FBI has arrested Indian-origin Nitish Kaushal in Vermont, shortly after adding him to its most-wanted list. Kaushal is accused of involvement in murder and drug trafficking on behalf of the Bhagwanpuria organised crime group. His arrest is part of Operation Hard Ball, a broader international crackdown targeting the Bhagwanpuria gang. In a related development, federal prosecutors have also filed charges against Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, alleging they ordered an assassination.

Miami Heat's Pat Riley drops hint at pursuing LeBron James in free agency

Miami Heat president Pat Riley signaled interest in signing LeBron James as a free agent during a press conference on Thursday. The event was originally held to introduce newly acquired star Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP, to the team. Riley steered the conversation toward LeBron James without being prompted, suggesting the Heat may not be done making major moves. The comments have sparked speculation about a potential blockbuster signing that would reunite LeBron with his former franchise.

Rising COVID Cases: Key Expenses Your Health Insurance May Not Cover

COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise, prompting renewed attention to health insurance coverage gaps. Many common pandemic-related expenses, including pulse oximeters, masks, and sanitisers, are typically excluded from standard health insurance policies. Costs for supplements and certain medicines may also fall outside coverage unless explicitly included in a policy. Policyholders are advised to carefully review their insurance terms to understand what is and is not reimbursable during a COVID-related claim.

Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Draws Mixed Reactions at IMAX Premiere

Christopher Nolan's latest film 'The Odyssey' has made its debut in IMAX theaters, generating divided opinions among audiences. While many viewers praised the film's striking visuals and Nolan's ambitious directorial vision, others took issue with its pacing and narrative decisions. The dialogue and acting performances also received varied responses from moviegoers. A notable exception was Matt Damon's portrayal of Odysseus, which drew widespread praise across the board.

Joe Root's Unbeaten 99 Levels ODI Series as England Beat India by Four Wickets

Joe Root scored an unbeaten 99 to steer England to a four-wicket win over India in the second ODI, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Root played a composed, anchoring innings after England faced early pressure during the chase. His knock also saw him surpass Virat Kohli's record for the best average in successful ODI run chases. England's bowlers had earlier kept India's total in check despite a threatening partnership. The result sets up a decider in the final match of the series.