India

Modi Visits New Zealand as First Indian PM in 40 Years to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting New Zealand, becoming the first Indian prime minister to do so in four decades. The visit is aimed at capitalising on a potential Free Trade Agreement between the two nations. Defence and security cooperation are also key items on the agenda during the talks. Additionally, both countries are expected to discuss talent mobility, reflecting growing people-to-people and economic links.

Narendra Modi first Indian PM to visit New Zealand in 40 years, trade and sports top agenda

Government panel wants ban on Satluj to stay, says film whitewashes terror

India rules out parallel petrol supply system alongside E20 fuel rollout

The Indian government has stated it will not be feasible to maintain a parallel fuel supply system offering pure petrol or lower ethanol blends alongside E20 fuel. Officials indicated that running multiple fuel options simultaneously would create significant logistical and infrastructural challenges. The government is pushing ahead with its E20 mandate, which requires petrol blended with 20% ethanol, as part of its broader clean energy and energy security goals. This decision means consumers and vehicle owners will eventually have access only to E20 fuel at pumps once the transition is complete. The move is expected to impact older vehicles not fully compatible with higher ethanol blends, raising concerns among some consumer and automotive groups.

Taylor Swift's fallout with Blake Lively said to affect ties with godchildren

A new report claims Taylor Swift's friendship breakdown with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds has strained her relationship with their four children, of whom she is reportedly godmother. The claims gained renewed attention following the family's notable absence from Swift's wedding to NFL star Travis Kelce. A separate report, however, suggests Swift has maintained closeness with another godson, Leo Thames, son of actress Jaime King. The reports indicate that while some bonds have weakened, Swift's role as godmother remains intact in at least one case. Neither Swift, Lively, nor Reynolds have publicly commented on the reported fallout.

US Judge Postpones Preliminary Hearing in Charlie Kirk Murder Case to September

A US judge has delayed the preliminary hearing in the murder case linked to the killing of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. The decision on whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a full murder trial has been pushed back. The judge announced on Friday that the hearing would resume in September. The postponement means a formal trial cannot begin until at least that date.

Merino Late Goal Sends Spain Past Belgium 2-1 Into World Cup Semifinal

Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Friday, with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive late winner. The victory extended Spain's unbeaten run to 37 matches, underlining their strong form in the tournament. Belgium, who entered the match on an 18-game unbeaten streak, saw that run come to an end with the defeat. Spain will next face tournament favourites France in the semi-final.

Blackhawks and Jets emerge as top suitors for Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk

Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk, valued at $38.5 million, has become a central figure in pre-season trade speculation. The Canucks are reportedly pursuing a roster rebuild, prompting discussions around moving the winger. Among the several teams linked to DeBrusk, the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets have emerged as the most prominent potential destinations. His future with Vancouver remains uncertain as trade buzz continues to build ahead of the new NHL season.

Centre weighs Meta reply on WA usernames, rollout remains on hold

Apple Sues OpenAI and Two Ex-Employees Over Alleged Trade Secrets Theft

Apple has filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Northern District of California against OpenAI and two former employees. The complaint accuses the defendants of engaging in a coordinated scheme to misappropriate Apple's confidential information. The stolen data allegedly includes sensitive details about product designs, manufacturing processes, and supply chain strategies. Apple's legal action signals growing corporate concern over insider threats and the potential misuse of proprietary information by departing staff.

TRAI: 1600-series calls cannot be blocked, but 140-series subject to DND rules

India's telecom regulator TRAI has clarified that calls originating from the 1600 number series — used by regulated entities and government bodies — cannot be blocked by any application. These numbers are mandated by TRAI specifically for service and transaction calls made to existing customers. In contrast, the 140 number series is reserved for registered telemarketers making promotional calls. Consumers who wish to limit such promotional calls can register their preferences through the Do Not Disturb (DND) registry. This distinction ensures that critical service communications remain uninterrupted while giving users control over marketing calls.

Apple sues OpenAI over alleged theft of iPhone trade secrets

Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the AI company of stealing trade secrets and confidential information. The tech giant alleges that OpenAI encouraged Apple employees to disclose details about unreleased products. A number of former Apple staff, including a senior hardware executive, have since moved to OpenAI. Through the lawsuit, Apple is seeking to stop OpenAI's alleged practices and force a redesign of its new hardware.

US Warns Iran to Stop Hormuz Attacks and Keep Shipping Lanes Open

US officials have demanded that Iran cease attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and ensure the waterway remains open for navigation. A senior American official revealed that Iran communicated to Washington that the recent shipping incidents were caused by 'an errant part of their system.' The disclosure suggests Iran acknowledged some degree of responsibility for the attacks while distancing its leadership from deliberate intent. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping corridor through which a significant share of the world's oil supply passes.

Centre directs states to follow correct script and diction for national anthem

The central government has issued instructions to all states mandating strict adherence to the correct script and diction of the national song and anthem. State songs are now required to be played before the national song and anthem at official functions. The Home Ministry has made the correct script and pronunciation guidelines available on its official portal. States have been asked to ensure that all organizations under their jurisdiction comply with these directives.

India's Breast Cancer Survival Rate at 65.7%, Below Global Median: WHO

India's breast cancer survival rate stands at 65.7%, falling short of the global median, according to the World Health Organization. The gap highlights significant disparities in access to quality cancer care across different regions of the country. Early diagnosis and timely treatment have been identified as critical factors in improving patient outcomes. WHO emphasizes that strengthening both detection capabilities and treatment accessibility is essential for India to close the gap with wealthier nations.

Supreme Court slams decade-long delay in commercial suit, rejects document plea

The Supreme Court strongly criticized the sluggish pace of a commercial lawsuit that has been dragging on since 2015. The court made sharp observations after noting that even the plaintiff's evidence stage remains incomplete after nearly a decade. Levitate Mobile Technologies had filed a plea seeking permission to submit additional documents, which the bench rejected. The court pointed out that this application was similar to a previous one that had already been denied. The remarks highlight growing judicial concern over prolonged delays in commercial litigation.

Modi praises Australia's under-16 social media ban, India weighs similar rules

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed support for Australia's recent law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms. His remarks signal that India may be moving toward introducing comparable age-based restrictions on social media access. The development comes amid heightened government attention to online safety for minors across the country. Several Indian states have already put forward proposals for limiting social media use among children. However, experts note that enforcing such a policy nationwide would be a significant challenge given India's massive and diverse internet user base.

US Treasury Sanctions Iranian Financier Linked to Khamenei's Inner Circle

The United States has imposed sanctions on Iranian national Ali Ansari, identifying him as a key financial figure connected to Iran's leadership. The US Treasury Department described Ansari as a primary financier for the Islamic Republic's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. The sanctions allege Ansari's involvement in embezzling funds that benefited Tehran's elite circles. This move reflects ongoing US efforts to financially pressure individuals who support Iran's top leadership structure.

Haaland sends birthday video to Brazilian boy bullied for copying his hairstyle

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland sent a personal birthday video to a young Brazilian fan who had been bullied for growing his hair to resemble the footballer's style. In the message, Haaland complimented the boy's hairstyle and encouraged him to brush off negative comments from others. The video was shared widely by Barstool Sports and quickly gained attention across social media. The gesture has resonated with football fans around the world, drawing widespread praise for the Norwegian star.

Tom Holland stays at Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace in suite costing up to Rs 12 lakh/night

Hollywood actor Tom Holland is currently visiting India and has checked into the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The Spider-Man star is reportedly occupying the property's prestigious Tata Suite during his stay. The suite is one of the most exclusive accommodations at the iconic hotel. It is priced between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 12 lakh per night, varying with season and availability.