India

Bollywood Stars Back Sonam Wangchuk as Hunger Strike Enters Day 19

Climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its nineteenth day, drawing support from several Bollywood personalities. Actors Sonakshi Sinha and Fatima Sana Shaikh have publicly urged authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with Wangchuk. Imran Khan also spoke out, linking his appeal to calls for accountability amid the ongoing NEET-UG controversy. A broader chorus of voices from the Indian film industry has joined in, advocating for constructive discussions to address Wangchuk's concerns.

German App Maps Shaded Routes to Help People Beat Extreme Heat

A German mobile application is gaining attention as Europe faces intense heatwaves. The app helps users stay cool by mapping walking routes that prioritize shaded areas. It relies on sun and shadow data to steer commuters away from streets with high heat exposure. The tool is being seen as a practical urban solution to the growing public health challenge posed by rising temperatures.

BJP Leader Questions Hindu Student's Islamic Prayer Homework Assignment

Parents of a Class 2 Hindu student in India alleged their six-year-old son came home on Wednesday with a homework diary instructing him to read the '1st and 2nd Kalma' and 'Fateh,' Islamic religious recitations. The incident sparked controversy after a BJP leader publicly questioned whether Hindu students should be subjected to such assignments. The BJP leader criticized the homework, raising concerns about religious imposition in schools. The case has drawn attention to questions around religious content in academic settings and the rights of students from minority communities within schools.

China bans AI chatbots from building emotional bonds to boost human relationships

China has introduced regulations prohibiting AI chatbots from fostering emotional dependency among users. The policy is aimed at encouraging citizens to pursue real human relationships, with an underlying goal of improving the country's declining birthrate. Major tech firms including Alibaba and ByteDance are already disabling companion chatbot features in response. AI platforms are now required to monitor user conversations for signs of emotional distress. Additionally, any companion software must undergo state regulatory approval before it can be released to the public.

Puri Rath Yatra: One killed, over 100 devotees faint amid stampede-like situation

‘We share the anguish and outrage’: Congress urges Sonam Wangchuk to end hunger strike

H-1B Returnees Struggle in India's IT Market Amid AI-Driven Job Cuts

Indians returning from the US on H-1B visas are facing a difficult job market in India's IT sector. Companies are currently hiring cautiously, resulting in fewer available positions for these returnees. Many are being forced to accept salaries significantly below their expectations. The rise of artificial intelligence has further worsened the situation by making several traditional IT roles redundant.

One dead, 30+ hospitalised in crowd crush at Puri Rath Yatra

A devotee died and more than 30 others were hospitalised following a crowd rush at the Puri Rath Yatra festival. The incident occurred in Puri, Odisha, during the annual Hindu chariot procession dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Large crowds gathering for the religious event are believed to have triggered the stampede-like situation. Authorities and medical teams responded to treat the injured at local hospitals. Further details on the exact circumstances and official response are awaited pending the full report.

Punjab Congress Accuses AAP of Using Police to Detain Party Councillor

The Punjab Congress has levelled serious allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party, claiming it used police personnel to forcefully detain a Congress municipal councillor. The incident triggered a clash between workers of the two rival parties. Congress described the action as an unlawful abduction carried out with state machinery. The allegations point to escalating political tensions between AAP and Congress in Punjab. No official police response to the accusations has been reported.

Argentina fans burn England flags, revive Falklands tensions after World Cup semi-final win

Argentina's FIFA World Cup semi-final victory over England was marred by provocative celebrations from some supporters. Fans were seen burning England's St George's Cross flags, displaying coffin imagery, and chanting songs referencing the 1982 Falklands War. Argentine players added to the controversy by posing with a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' following the match. President Javier Milei used the occasion to reaffirm Argentina's territorial claim, stating that sovereignty over the islands is non-negotiable.

Mamata Tells Pressured TMC Leaders to Leave as Party Exodus Grows

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly addressed the wave of departures from Trinamool Congress following the party's recent assembly poll defeat. She stated that leaders feeling pressured are free to leave, signalling a defiant stance amid the crisis. Rajya Sabha MP Koel Mallick became the latest to resign, joining a growing list of exits from the party. Her resignation came shortly after senior leader Madan Mitra quit to align with a rebel TMC faction. Banerjee also used the occasion to defend her nephew and party leader Abhishek Banerjee against internal criticism.

New monkey species with orange lips discovered in DR Congo rainforest

Scientists have identified a previously unknown monkey species in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The primate is distinguished by its striking orange lips and distinctive facial markings. Its status as a unique species was confirmed through rigorous fieldwork and genetic analysis. The find underscores how much biodiversity remains undiscovered within the vast Congo Basin rainforest. Researchers are now calling for conservation measures to protect the newly recognized species.

Man kills pregnant wife, dies by suicide at Bengaluru home; police investigate

A man in Banashankari, South Bengaluru, allegedly strangled his pregnant wife to death before dying by suicide at their rented residence. The couple's landlord contacted police after hearing loud arguments and screams from the house. Officers arriving at the scene found the woman's body in the bedroom and the husband hanging. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine what led to the fatal incident.

Simone Biles and Suni Lee turn heads at 2026 ESPYS in New York City

Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles and Suni Lee made a notable appearance at the 2026 ESPYS held in New York City. The two athletes drew widespread attention for their stylish looks on the red carpet at the annual sports awards ceremony. Biles also gave fans a closer look at the event by sharing behind-the-scenes moments through her Instagram Story. Their presence quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about highlights of the evening.

Love Island USA Season 8 winners address age gap, plan to close distance

Bryce Alakai and Trinity Tatum won Love Island USA Season 8, taking home a shared $100,000 prize. The couple spoke publicly about their relationship following their exit from the villa. When asked about their seven-year age difference, both said the gap felt insignificant given their strong bond. The pair admitted that adjusting to life apart after the show has been challenging. Trinity has announced plans to relocate to Los Angeles to be nearer to Bryce.

Meta Study Finds Leading AI Models Softer on Repressive Governments

A new study has found that top artificial intelligence models tend to be less critical of repressive regimes. The research indicated that AI services appear to mirror the speech-restriction norms of certain countries. This bias raises concerns as AI tools are being adopted by a growing number of users worldwide. The findings suggest that political and ideological skews may be quietly embedded in widely used AI systems.

IBM Shares Plunge After CEO Admits Q2 Results Worse Than Expected

IBM reported weaker-than-expected second-quarter financial results, triggering a significant drop in the company's share price. CEO Arvind Krishna acknowledged in a letter to investors that IBM failed to adequately adapt to shifting market conditions. Several large deals did not close during the quarter, and customers redirected their spending priorities away from IBM's offerings. Despite the disappointing performance, the company pointed to continued growth in its software and consulting divisions as areas of relative strength.

Iran Condemns US Strike Near Yemen Cancer Hospital as Attack on Children

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei strongly condemned a US military strike that occurred near a cancer hospital. He described the attack as a cowardly act directed against children who were receiving medical treatment. Baqaei drew a parallel between the incident and what he called Israel's past attacks on healthcare facilities. The strike reportedly caused significant distress and suffering among the young patients who were hospitalised at the time.

Four Arrested for Misconduct Against Delhi Poll Officer During Voter Revision Drive

Delhi Police arrested four individuals for misbehaving with an election official during a voter list revision exercise. The incident occurred on July 5 in the Fatak Telian locality within the Chandni Mahal area of Delhi. The poll officer was targeted while carrying out official electoral duties. Authorities acted swiftly, apprehending the accused in connection with the misconduct.

KL Rahul misses India vs England 2nd ODI in Cardiff due to illness

KL Rahul was ruled out of India's second ODI against England in Cardiff after falling ill. Ishan Kishan was named as his replacement in the playing XI. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed the change at the toss, stating that Rahul was sick. England won the toss and opted to bowl first in the match. India entered the game leading the three-match ODI series 1-0.