India

Farooq Abdullah’s brother Mustafa Kamal, ex-minister who balanced politics with medical career, dies at 84

Gujarat Woman Killed by Neighbour in Dispute Over Rs 5,000 Loan

A woman in Gujarat was burned to death by a neighbour in a dispute stemming from a loan of Rs 5,000. The victim had been a widow for seven years, raising two children on her own after her husband's death. The neighbour allegedly carried out the fatal attack over the unpaid or disputed loan amount. Authorities are investigating the case following the deadly incident.

India-UK Free Trade Agreement Takes Effect on July 15

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is set to come into force on July 15. Under the terms of the deal, several key Indian export sectors will gain preferential access to the British market. Products including textiles, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, and plastics will now enter the UK with zero customs duty. The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral trade ties between the two countries.

Shubman Gill retires hurt during India's ODI chase against England

Indian opener Shubman Gill was forced to leave the field after suffering an injury during India's ODI match against England. The setback occurred shortly after Gill and Shreyas Iyer had combined for a 100-run partnership, giving India firm control of the run chase. Washington Sundar came in as the replacement batter following Gill's departure. The development raised concerns over Gill's fitness at a crucial stage of the match.

Bengaluru Firm to Send Lab-Grown Diamond Lotus Sculpture into Space

A Bengaluru-based company has created a lotus sculpture crafted from 32 lab-grown pear-cut diamonds, totalling 16.95 carats, with plans to send it into space. The piece represents a fusion of art and technology, combining fine jewellery craftsmanship with space exploration. The lotus, a symbol of significance in Indian culture, was chosen as the design centrepiece for the project. The initiative highlights India's growing presence at the intersection of luxury artistry and the space industry.

Trump Shifts Focus From Hormuz Transit Fee to Attracting Investment and Jobs

US President Donald Trump has moved away from his earlier idea of imposing a transit fee on the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he is now emphasizing attracting factories, plants, and equipment to the United States. Trump claimed this investment would arrive at historic levels, driving the creation of high-paying American jobs. The shift signals a change in his economic messaging toward domestic industrial growth over maritime toll proposals.

Finland's Underground War Preparations Reflect Its Long Border With Russia

Finland shares an 830-mile border with Russia, the longest of any NATO member, with its capital Helsinki situated fewer than 200 miles from St Petersburg. Due to its geographic proximity to Russia, Finland has historically maintained a state of war readiness. The country never fully demilitarized after past conflicts, keeping its defense infrastructure active and prepared. This sustained preparedness is visibly reflected in Finland's underground facilities and civil defense systems built beneath its cities.

NCP leaders dismiss notice challenging Sunetra Pawar's election as party chief

Senior NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare have rejected a notice questioning the legitimacy of Sunetra Pawar's election as party chief. The notice alleged her election was unconstitutional and demanded it be declared void. Tatkare described the notice as illegal and said the party would assess its legal standing. Both leaders maintained that Sunetra Pawar's election was conducted in accordance with the party's constitution. They also emphasized that the party remains united under her leadership.

How New Roads in Manipur Are Fueling Demands to Redraw Its Political Map

A growing discourse in Manipur suggests that infrastructure development, particularly road construction, is quietly reshaping political aspirations in the region. The concept of 'Zalengam', a proposed separate homeland, has gained renewed attention through cultural expressions like diary writings that document community identity. Analysts observe that by physically connecting previously isolated territories, roads can make demands for administrative or constitutional reorganization feel more practical and achievable. This pattern reflects a broader historical trend where infrastructure investment precedes and enables political movements. The situation highlights how development projects in conflict-sensitive regions can carry unintended political consequences.

India bans imports made with forced labour amid US Section 301 probe

India has introduced new provisions banning imports of goods produced using forced labour, set to take effect 30 days after publication in the Official Gazette. The move comes as the United States conducts a Section 301 investigation into forced labour practices across 60 economies, including India. The probe examines whether trading partners' labour conditions unfairly disadvantage American workers and businesses. India's policy shift is seen as a significant step toward aligning its trade practices with international labour standards ahead of potential US trade action.

France vs Spain: World Cup semifinal set for Bastille Day showdown

France and Spain will meet in a FIFA World Cup semifinal on Bastille Day, July 14. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, are aiming to reach their third consecutive World Cup final. Spain have previously eliminated France twice and will look to do so again, backed by young star Lamine Yamal and a strong defensive unit. The match presents a significant test for Les Bleus, who must break through one of the tournament's most disciplined defenses.

'Will replace 20% Hormuz fee with ... ': Trump says strait open for all but Iran

Calgary woman blames Indians for Canada Day litter; volunteers clean up park

A woman confronted volunteers at a Calgary park on Canada Day, accusing them of being responsible for scattered litter across the public space. The volunteers belonged to the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who had stayed back after the event. They clarified that the discarded food items did not originate from their stalls. The incident sparked a wider debate after a video of the confrontation circulated online. The organizers later released photos showing the park had been fully cleaned up following the event.

Elfath to referee England vs Argentina semi-final, reigniting referee bias debate

Moroccan-American referee Ismail Elfath has been appointed by FIFA to officiate the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina. Elfath has previously handled several high-profile matches involving Lionel Messi, during which Argentina performed well. These past coincidences have fuelled online speculation about potential favoritism toward the Argentine side. FIFA has pushed back against such claims, maintaining the integrity of its officiating appointments. Based on Elfath's disciplinary history, analysts expect a strictly controlled match for both teams.

Loyal Dog of Betul Man Dies Beside His Funeral Bier in Touching Final Farewell

Pradeep Jain, a 67-year-old resident of Civil Lines in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, passed away after a prolonged illness while receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhopal. His devoted pet dog remained by his side until the very end, dying next to his funeral bier. The incident has drawn widespread attention for the remarkable display of loyalty shown by the animal. The story highlights the deep bond that can exist between a pet and its owner, even beyond death.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon begins first spaceflight, heads to ISS

NASA astronaut Anil Menon has launched on his debut spaceflight mission to the International Space Station. He is set to spend approximately eight months aboard the ISS conducting scientific research. His work will focus on how the human body adapts to microgravity and on advancing space medicine. The mission also includes technology demonstrations as part of his research agenda. Menon's flight highlights continued NASA-Roscosmos cooperation despite prevailing geopolitical tensions between the two nations.

Bengaluru sub-inspector arrested over dowry harassment and machete threat allegations

A police sub-inspector in Bengaluru has been arrested following serious allegations made by his wife. She accused him of demanding a substantial dowry and subjecting her to physical abuse. The situation escalated when he allegedly threatened both her and her father with a machete during a confrontation. Authorities initially recorded a non-cognisable report before formally registering an FIR. The case is set to be transferred to a separate police station to ensure an impartial investigation.

Study links metabolism to survival in Earth's greatest mass extinction 252 mn years ago

A new study has shed light on the factors that determined survival during Earth's most devastating mass extinction event, which occurred approximately 252 million years ago. Researchers found that an organism's metabolism — specifically how it used oxygen and generated energy — played a key role in whether it survived the crisis. Rising ocean temperatures and falling oxygen levels placed severe stress on less active marine creatures. In contrast, more mobile animals with higher energy demands were better equipped to endure the deteriorating conditions. Scientists note that this ancient ecological shift continues to influence the structure and diversity of ocean ecosystems today.

Barn-Stored 1970 Shelby GT500 Resurfaces After Nearly 30 Years Off the Road

A rare 1970 Shelby Mustang GT500 has been rediscovered after sitting in a barn for nearly three decades. The car was reportedly parked sometime in the 1990s and has remained largely untouched since then. Automotive documentarian Ryan Brutt uncovered and filmed the vehicle for his YouTube channel, Auto Archaeology. The GT500 retains its original rare V8 engine, making it a significant find for muscle car collectors and enthusiasts.

Opposition Walks Out of Assam Assembly Over Tribal Status Demand for 6 Communities

Opposition members staged a walkout in the Assam Legislative Assembly over the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for six communities. The Leader of the Opposition accused the BJP of repeatedly promising ST status to these communities ahead of elections but failing to deliver on the commitment after assuming power. The walkout highlights growing frustration among opposition lawmakers over what they describe as unfulfilled electoral promises. The issue of granting tribal status to the six communities remains unresolved despite multiple assurances from the ruling party.