India

Govt May Mandate Censor Board Clearance for OTT Films After Satluj Row

The Indian government is considering making Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval mandatory for films released on OTT platforms. This would require amendments to the existing IT Rules 2021, which currently govern digital media content. The move follows a controversy surrounding the film Satluj, released on Zee5 without certification. Authorities are also exploring action against Zee5 for proceeding with the release while the film was still under review. Under current rules, state governments hold responsibility for enforcing laws against uncertified film screenings.

Mark Cuban warns AI could worsen US healthcare by empowering insurers

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has cautioned that artificial intelligence is unlikely to fix the deep-rooted problems in the US healthcare system. He argues that insurers will likely exploit AI to block or delay treatment approvals for doctors and patients. Cuban also pointed out that large conglomerates are already using AI to manipulate contracts and slow down payments. He highlighted that many companies do not even know what they are truly paying for healthcare. As a solution, Cuban advocates for removing unnecessary intermediaries from the healthcare supply chain through disintermediation.

FIDE overhauls qualification system for 2028 Candidates, drops rating-based spots

FIDE has approved a revamped qualification system for the 2028 Open and Women's Candidates Tournaments. The new framework introduces the Total Chess World Championship Tour as a fresh qualification pathway. Rating-based qualification spots have been eliminated under the updated rules. World Cup representation has been trimmed to just two finalists, reducing previous allocations. FIDE Circuit places will now be determined over a two-year cycle, rewarding players for consistent performances across major events.

Bali Loses 6,500 Hectares of Rice Fields as Tourism Strains Water Supply

Bali's centuries-old subak irrigation system is facing a severe crisis due to rapid tourism-driven development on the island. Approximately 6,500 hectares of rice fields have been lost, reducing the land that traditionally supports water distribution across the region. The surge in hotels and tourism facilities has significantly increased groundwater extraction, leaving locals dependent on purchasing water. This decline threatens both the ecological balance of the island and the cultural heritage tied to the subak system. Experts warn that preserving the remaining rice terraces is essential for ensuring long-term water security in Bali.

India Reviews Messaging Apps on Usernames, Uniform Rules Expected

The Indian government has been reviewing responses from messaging platforms WhatsApp and Telegram regarding username policies. Authorities sought clarification from these platforms as part of an ongoing regulatory assessment. The government has made clear that any resulting rules will be applied uniformly across all digital platforms without exception. This move signals India's intent to bring consistent standards to messaging and social media services operating in the country.

MP CM Mohan Yadav pushes for UCC Bill in upcoming monsoon assembly session

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has voiced strong support for implementing a Uniform Civil Code in the state. The state government intends to introduce a UCC Bill during the upcoming monsoon legislative session. A government-appointed committee has submitted its report recommending UCC implementation, with tribal communities proposed to be excluded from its purview. Yadav also criticised the Congress party over its position on the UCC issue. Separately, the chief minister stated that the state government would abide by the Supreme Court's ruling on the Bhojshala dispute.

Delhi allows denser, taller mixed-use buildings within 500m of metro and rail hubs

Delhi has introduced a transit-oriented development policy aimed at increasing building density near metro corridors and railway stations. Under the policy, mixed-use construction is permitted within a 500-metre radius of transit routes. Developers can boost their floor area ratio by paying designated charges, provided their projects maintain a prescribed land-use mix and meet updated parking norms. The Delhi Development Authority has been designated as the nodal body responsible for overseeing approvals and implementation of these projects.

'I intend to kill Muslims': Indian mall worker in US stabbed by Utah man

PoK Leader Calls Region 'Occupied Territory', Rejects 'Azad' Label at Rally

Movement leader Sardar Aman Khan addressed a large crowd at Eidgah Ground, firmly rejecting the commonly used descriptions of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Khan declared that the region is neither 'Azad' (free) nor merely 'disputed', but an outright occupied territory. The statement was made before thousands of attendees gathered at the rally. The remarks signal a strong stance from local leadership challenging the official Pakistani narrative about the status of the region.

Altman Calls Out Musk After Grok Tool Secretly Uploaded Private User Code

xAI's Grok Build tool was found to have uploaded large volumes of private customer code repositories without clear user consent, raising serious data privacy concerns. Security experts and industry rivals criticized the excessive data collection practices. Following the backlash, xAI deleted all the user data it had collected as a precautionary measure. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly criticized Musk and his companies in the wake of the incident. In response, Musk announced plans to make X's entire codebase open source to demonstrate transparency.

Cutting vines triples canopy recovery speed in logged Borneo forests

Researchers have found that trimming aggressive climbing vines in logged tropical forests in Borneo can significantly accelerate canopy recovery. Areas where vines were cut showed carbon storage rates three times faster than areas where new trees were planted. This finding was confirmed through laser mapping technology. Vine removal is also considered a more cost-effective restoration method compared to replanting trees. Scientists say effective vine management can support both forestry sustainability and biodiversity preservation.

Pakistan's Libya peace push has a China connection and $4 billion price tag

Bihar: 11-Year-Old Dragged 1.5 km by School Van, Driver Absconds

An 11-year-old child was hit and dragged approximately 1.5 kilometres by a school van in Bihar. The incident occurred between Yadavpur Mor and Banjari Mor, both falling under the jurisdiction of the Town police station. The driver fled the scene immediately after the incident without rendering any assistance. Authorities are reportedly investigating the case following the alarming event.

Bihar: 11-Year-Old Hit and Dragged 1.5 km by School Van, Case Registered

An 11-year-old child was struck and dragged approximately 1.5 kilometres by a school van in Bihar. The incident occurred between Yadavpur Mor and Banjari Mor, both falling under the jurisdiction of the Town police station. Authorities have registered a case in connection with the incident. The alarming event has raised serious concerns about child safety around school transport in the region.

RBI releases Grade B Phase 2 admit cards for July 2026 exam

The Reserve Bank of India has officially released the admit cards for the Grade B Phase 2 examination. Candidates appearing for the exam can download their hall tickets from the RBI's official website. The examination is scheduled to be held on July 25 and 26, 2026. Applicants must carry a printed copy of their admit card along with a valid photo identity proof to gain entry to the exam centre. Candidates are advised to carefully verify all details mentioned on their admit card after downloading it.

Iran says 30 civilians killed in US strikes as Trump warns of 'hitting them harder'

Bengaluru 12-Year-Old Attempts Suicide After Alleged Assault at School

A 12-year-old boy named Samarth from Bengaluru attempted suicide following an alleged assault at his school. His father reported to police that the child had expressed fear about attending school for several days prior to the incident. The boy had repeatedly communicated his distress to family members, signaling ongoing anxiety about his school environment. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault that preceded the suicide attempt.

China's straw grid technique shrinks desert cover by over 1,000 sq km annually

China's Green Great Wall project has been combating desertification for nearly five decades through a large-scale environmental restoration effort. The initiative involves millions of rural workers who plant straw checkerboard grids and saplings across arid regions to stabilize sand. These efforts have led to a measurable reduction in desertified land and a notable increase in forest cover across the country. The program reflects a sustained, long-term government commitment to reversing land degradation. However, experts note that maintaining these gains will depend on continued local community participation and adaptive management strategies.

Ukraine Vows to Defend Seaports as Russian Attacks Cut Grain Exports by a Third

Ukraine has pledged to take all possible measures to protect its seaports amid escalating Russian military pressure. The country's main agricultural body, the Ukrainian Agrarian Council (UAC), reported that intensifying Russian missile and drone strikes have significantly disrupted maritime export operations. As a result, Ukraine has lost approximately one-third of its grain export capacity through its critical Black Sea ports. The Black Sea corridor is a vital route for Ukrainian agricultural shipments, which are important to global food supply chains.

Vijay and Mohanlal to Jointly Front Kerala Anti-Drug Campaign

Kerala Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced that Tamil actor Vijay and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will share a stage for an anti-drug campaign. The announcement followed discussions between Chennithala and Vijay on strengthening cooperation to combat drug trafficking. The talks specifically focused on curbing the flow of drugs across the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The campaign aims to leverage the mass appeal of both actors to spread awareness against drug abuse.