India

Trump Threatens Strike on Iran's Fortified Nuclear Site Amid Hormuz Tensions

US President Donald Trump has warned that American forces could target Iran's Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified nuclear facility under close US surveillance. Trump's remarks come after recent US military strikes on Iran, which Washington described as retaliation for attacks on commercial shipping. The US Navy has also reinstated a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating pressure on Tehran. Officials have indicated that Iran's nuclear program is not progressing favorably from a diplomatic standpoint. The developments signal a sharp rise in tensions between the two countries over Iran's nuclear activities.

Railways ordered to pay Rs 80,000 after jewellery stolen on Rajdhani Express

A district consumer commission has directed Northern Railway to compensate a couple with Rs 80,000 after their handbag containing a gold mangalsutra was stolen during a Rajdhani Express journey. The commission ruled that the Railways was guilty of deficiency in service in connection with the theft. Railways had contested the claim, arguing that the luggage was unbooked and that proper notice was not given. However, the commission noted that railway officials had received the complaint and that no attendant was present in the coach at the time. The ruling highlights passenger safety obligations that railways are expected to uphold during travel.

Iranian-American Engineer Convicted of Smuggling Semiconductor Tech to Iran

A federal jury has found Mahdi Sadeghi, a dual Iranian-American citizen, guilty of illegally exporting semiconductor technology to Iran. The engineer, based in Massachusetts, used a Swiss company as an intermediary to route the restricted technology. The end recipient was a supplier linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which uses such components in drone manufacturing. The case highlights ongoing U.S. efforts to enforce export controls and prevent advanced technology from reaching sanctioned entities.

Poll: Most Americans Brace for Long US-Iran Conflict Amid Escalating Strikes

A new poll reveals that 79% of Americans expect the US-Iran conflict to be prolonged as military tensions continue to escalate. The United States resumed airstrikes against Iran on June 26, citing Iranian attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the military action, only 37% of poll respondents said they approved of the US strikes. The findings highlight a significant public concern about the duration and consequences of the ongoing confrontation between the two nations.

US and Iran Both Seek Control of Strait of Hormuz, Defying International Law

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, has become a flashpoint between the United States and Iran. Former President Donald Trump's proposed 20% shipping toll and potential blockade measures draw comparisons to Iran's own historical tactics in the waterway. Both nations have pursued strategies that legal experts say conflict with established international maritime law. The strait's strategic importance to global energy supply makes any unilateral attempt to control it a matter of serious international concern.

India Launches 'SHANTI' Campaign for UN Security Council Seat in 2028-29

India has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the campaign, branded under the name 'SHANTI', in New York. The announcement marks the formal beginning of India's diplomatic push to secure a position on the world's most powerful peace and security body. India has previously served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and is seeking to return to the seat through this latest bid.

India news Live Updates, 14 July 2026: Indian-origin crew member killed as Iranian missiles hit UAE tankers in Hormuz, Wangchuk on day 16 of hunger strike, India-US trade deal framework agreed

Jharkhand Panchayat Accused of Covering Up 3-Year-Old's Rape for Rs 20,000

Panchayat members in Gumla, Jharkhand, allegedly accepted Rs 20,000 from a teenage suspect's family to suppress a rape case involving a three-year-old child. The money was reportedly spent on a communal feast rather than being used to report the crime to authorities. Police visited the village on Sunday evening and arrested the teenage suspect. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to determine whether panchayat members deliberately shielded the accused in exchange for payment. Authorities are now investigating both the alleged rape and the panchayat's role in concealing it.

Live-In Couples Can Face Legal Housing Discrimination in India Despite SC Recognition

Unmarried couples in India frequently struggle to secure rental housing as many landlords and housing societies cite traditional social values to refuse tenancy. While the Supreme Court has recognized live-in relationships between consenting adults as legally valid, no nationwide law explicitly prohibits landlords from discriminating on this basis. This legal gap allows personal and cultural biases to influence rental decisions without formal consequence. To protect their interests, live-in couples are advised to draft written rental agreements and maintain detailed records of all payments made.

Honeycomb-Inspired Solar Panels Boost Power Output by Reducing Light Loss

Engineers have developed a new solar panel design modeled after the structure of bee honeycombs. The three-dimensional concave design works by redirecting reflected light back into the panel rather than letting it escape. Researchers say this approach delivers significantly higher power output compared to standard flat solar panels. The flexible metamaterial construction also allows the panels to be fitted onto curved surfaces and vehicles. This breakthrough could extend solar energy applications well beyond conventional rooftop installations.

Srikkanth slams team management for dropping 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi early

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has publicly criticised the team management's decision to drop teenage debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after only three T20 international appearances. Srikkanth questioned what the 15-year-old had done wrong to deserve being sidelined so quickly. Drawing from his own experience as captain, he compared the situation to how Sachin Tendulkar was nurtured early in his career. The World Cup-winner stressed that consistent backing of young players is essential for building their confidence. His remarks were directed at the current leadership, including head coach Gambhir and captain Shreyas Iyer.

US plans to bar its citizens in Congo from flying home directly amid Ebola outbreak

Jana Sena Suspends Telangana Leader Over Remarks Targeting Union Minister Bandi Sanjay

Jana Sena has suspended its Telangana leader Bethi Mahender Reddy following controversial remarks he made against Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar. The party took disciplinary action in response to Reddy's comments, which were deemed unacceptable by the leadership. The suspension underscores Jana Sena's stance on maintaining internal discipline and respecting party-aligned Union ministers. This development highlights the party's zero-tolerance approach toward public statements that could embarrass or undermine its political allies.

Trump notifies Congress as US resumes military operations against Iran

US President Donald Trump has informed Congress that military operations against Iran have resumed, initiating a new 60-day operational phase for American forces. The escalation follows alleged Iranian violations of a ceasefire, including reported attacks on commercial shipping vessels. The US military has carried out multiple strikes in response to these developments. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are evaluating possible legal measures to hold the administration accountable over its handling of the conflict.

Anthropic Introduces Rupee Pricing for Claude Pro, Max and Team Plans in India

Anthropic has launched Indian rupee pricing for its Claude AI subscription plans, making them more accessible to users in India. The move reflects the company's growing focus on India as a significant market for its AI products. Available tiers include Claude Pro, Claude Max, and Team subscriptions. Anthropic has also extended its promotional offer for Claude Sonnet 5 through July 19, giving users continued access to higher weekly usage limits. The company is also actively pursuing new partnerships to strengthen its footprint in India.

Mirae Asset Sharekhan Picks Divi's Lab, Bajaj Finserv Among Top Buys for July 14

Somil Mehta, Head of Retail Research at Mirae Asset Sharekhan, has recommended four stocks for investors to consider on July 14, 2026. The picks include Divi's Laboratories, Bajaj Finserv, Bharat Forge, and Coforge. These recommendations are part of the brokerage's regular stock market guidance for retail investors. The selections span pharmaceuticals, financial services, engineering, and IT sectors, reflecting a diversified outlook.

Mahua Moitra urges Sonam Wangchuk to end 16-day hunger strike

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has appealed to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to call off his hunger strike, which entered its sixteenth day. Wangchuk has been fasting in protest against alleged examination irregularities. Several prominent citizens have also joined the appeal, urging protesters to abandon their fast. Concerns have been raised over the deteriorating health of those participating in the strike. Critics have questioned the government's continued silence and refusal to engage in dialogue with the protesters.

J&K Court Orders Records Over Rs 550 Crore Fake Silver Offerings at Vaishno Devi

A court in Jammu & Kashmir has sought official records related to alleged fake silver offerings worth Rs 550 crore at the Vaishno Devi shrine. The case centers on donations made to the temple that were purportedly silver but turned out to be counterfeit. Metal testing of the offerings revealed that approximately 95% of the material was composed of cadmium and iron rather than genuine silver. The findings have raised serious concerns about large-scale fraud involving one of India's most visited religious sites.

Cisco President Jeetu Patel: AI Will Generate More Jobs Than It Destroys

Cisco president Jeetu Patel has stated his belief that artificial intelligence will ultimately create more employment opportunities than it displaces. He emphasized that proficiency in AI will become a critical skill, enabling certain workers to perform significantly more effectively than others. Patel noted that falling technology costs historically drive the emergence of new products, markets, and growth opportunities. While the overall number of jobs is expected to rise, their nature and required skill sets will undergo considerable transformation. He stressed that preparing the workforce through targeted AI skills development must be treated as a priority.

Crows can remember and hold grudges against humans for up to 17 years

Scientists have found that crows possess exceptional intelligence, including the ability to recognize and remember specific human faces. These birds are known to hold grudges for many years following negative encounters with people. Researchers conducted experiments that demonstrated this remarkable capacity for long-term memory. Crow aggression tends to peak during nesting season, when the birds actively protect their young. Experts note that humans who build positive relationships with crows can enjoy peaceful, friendly interactions with them.