India

Oil Prices Head for Biggest Weekly Gain as US-Iran Tensions Escalate

Oil prices surged sharply this week as rising military tensions between the United States and Iran sparked fears of potential supply disruptions. Brent crude rose to $85.34 per barrel while WTI crude climbed to $80.08, reflecting heightened market anxiety. Recent US military strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure, prompting Iran to retaliate against American allies in the region. The renewed hostilities have revived concerns about a broader regional conflict and possible threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Iran has warned of widespread infrastructure damage should the US follow through on threats to strike its facilities.

Indian-Origin Gangster Nitish Kaushal of Bhagwanpuria Gang Arrested in US

Nitish Kaushal, a member of the notorious Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, has been arrested in the United States. The arrest took place just two days after the FBI added Kaushal to its official wanted list. Kaushal is of Indian origin and had been linked to the criminal network led by Jaggu Bhagwanpuria. The swift arrest highlights ongoing law enforcement cooperation in tracking down internationally wanted suspects.

Woman Sends Money to Fake Online Lover Despite Knowing He Was a Scam

A woman identified only by her first name fell victim to a romance scam involving a man she knew, on some level, was not real. Despite repeated warnings from friends and family over several months, she chose to send money to the fictitious person called Donnie. The case highlights the powerful psychological hold that romance scams can have on victims, overriding rational judgment. Such scams are a growing concern, manipulating victims emotionally before extracting financial payments.

Rohit Sharma's Poor ODI Form Raises Questions Ahead of 2027 World Cup

Rohit Sharma has managed only 37 runs across the first two ODIs against England, raising concerns about his current form. The veteran opener has struggled with timing, tempo, and confidence, particularly against pace bowling. His prolonged dot-ball phases and visible discomfort at the crease have drawn increased scrutiny. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, questions are now being asked about Rohit's place in India's long-term ODI plans.

Trump Claims China Stole 220 Million Voter Files, No Evidence Presented

Former US President Donald Trump has alleged that China acquired 220 million voter files, calling it the largest compromise in American history. Trump made this claim without providing supporting evidence or documentation. More than 60 lawsuits filed by Trump and his allies after the 2020 election produced no court ruling establishing fraud capable of changing the outcome. Recounts, audits, and Trump's own Justice Department also found no evidence of significant electoral fraud. The claim has not been independently verified by any official body or investigation.

FIFA opens disciplinary review over Argentina's 'Malvinas' banner after semifinal win

FIFA's independent disciplinary committee has launched a review after Argentina players displayed a 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' banner during post-match celebrations following their World Cup semifinal victory. The banner references Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina, a longstanding territorial dispute with the United Kingdom. This is not the first time Argentina's football association has faced scrutiny over the gesture, having been fined by FIFA for the same banner in 2014. The incident has triggered a formal probe, though no sanctions have been announced yet. Argentina now turns its focus to the upcoming World Cup final against Spain.

T Srinivasa Kumar appointed Earth Sciences Secretary

'China stole voter data of 220m Americans': Trump blames Beijing for 2020 election interference

Trump Administration Revives Rule Denying Green Cards Over Public Benefits Use

The Trump administration is reinstating a policy that could bar immigrants from obtaining green cards if they use certain public benefits. Programs potentially affected include food stamps, Medicaid, and housing vouchers. The rule targets immigrants who rely on government assistance, making such usage a negative factor in green card applications. This revival signals a return to stricter immigration standards that had previously been introduced during Trump's first term.

Rohit Sharma's automatic ODI spot in doubt after poor run in England

Indian team management and selectors are reassessing Rohit Sharma's place in the ODI setup following his struggles during the England series. The selectors had initially considered handing Yashasvi Jaiswal a full series but chose to back Rohit, hoping he would return to form. That gamble appears not to have paid off, with both the selection committee and team management reportedly sharing their concerns about his future with the BCCI. It is now unclear whether the board's leadership or the selectors will take the lead in holding discussions with Rohit. The development signals that the veteran captain can no longer count on an automatic berth in India's limited-overs squad.

Dhoni's 2016 Instagram Post Resurfaces After Argentina Reach FIFA World Cup Final

A 2016 Instagram post by MS Dhoni has gone viral following Argentina's FIFA World Cup semifinal victory. The photo showed Dhoni playing PlayStation with teammates, with a caption reading 'Spain vs Argentina'. The post gained widespread attention as Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup final, appearing to mirror Dhoni's decade-old caption. The final is set to take place in New Jersey, where Argentina will look to defend their World Cup title against Spain.

US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Members of Far-Left Extremist Groups

The United States announced visa restrictions targeting individuals linked to far-left extremist organizations on Thursday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spearheaded the move, describing the action as a response to what he called a resurgent threat of left-wing extremism. Rubio called on other nations to join the US in combating what he termed a 'new wave of this old evil.' The announcement signals a formal policy shift by the current US administration toward addressing far-left groups as a security concern.

After ‘new kidney or euthanasia’ demand, what Kota administration promised 5 new mothers

SpaceX Starship Aborts at Last Second During 13th Test Flight Attempt

SpaceX's Starship rocket triggered an automated abort just before liftoff during its 13th flight test attempt on Thursday. The launch was conducted from the company's facility in Texas. The abort pushed the mission back by at least 24 hours. SpaceX said it is investigating the likely cause of the automated scrub before rescheduling the attempt.

Congress Worker Dies After Iron Rod Falls at Rahul Gandhi Event Venue in Dehradun

A 65-year-old Congress worker died on Thursday evening at Bannu School grounds in Dehradun. The incident occurred when an iron rod from a tent structure collapsed and struck him at the venue. The tent was being erected in preparation for a scheduled event featuring Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. A party leader confirmed the fatality following the accident.

US latest on immigration: Shrink visa duration for students, media

WHO: Air Pollution and Lifestyle Factors Linked to Nearly Half of Dementia Cases

The World Health Organization has released new guidelines indicating that up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable. The guidelines identify key risk factors including air pollution and high blood pressure as targets for intervention. WHO recommends regular physical activity, tobacco cessation, and effective management of chronic diseases to protect brain health. However, the guidelines caution against routine use of vitamin and omega-3 supplements unless a diagnosed deficiency exists.

ED questions TV host Shefali Bagga in Mahadev online betting app case

ICE Agent Behind Maine Shooting of Colombian Man Has History of Mental Health Issues

A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot a Colombian man in Maine earlier this week. The agent is a former Army veteran with a documented history of mental health struggles. Close family members revealed that these issues have persisted since the officer's early childhood. Relatives disclosed this background in the wake of the shooting incident. The case has drawn attention to the personal history and conduct of the agent involved.

EPFO Developing Universal Provident Fund Scheme for Unorganised Sector Workers

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation is working on a universal provident fund scheme to extend retirement savings coverage to self-employed individuals and workers in the unorganised sector. The proposed plan would allow subscribers to make contributions either daily or annually, with tax benefits attached to their savings. EPFO is currently examining international models to establish a foundational framework for the initiative. The scheme is designed to be self-financing and aims to bring millions outside the existing EPFO network into a formal retirement savings structure.