India

Selectors urged to rest Bumrah, recall Shami and Bhuvneshwar for India

Indian selectors are being urged to give pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah a rest from international cricket. Mohammed Shami has made a strong case for a national recall after taking 37 wickets for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy last season. Bhuvneshwar Kumar also impressed, claiming 28 wickets during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2026 title-winning campaign. Both veterans are being considered as viable options to cover for Bumrah's potential absence from the squad.

Trump’s Gaza Board moves ahead with first project - military base for Moroccan troops

Gujarat Well Produces Unexplained Waves for Five Days, Experts Investigate

An 18-foot-deep well in a remote village in Morbi district, Gujarat, has been generating continuous swirling waves and ripples for five consecutive days. The unusual activity has puzzled local residents who have gathered to witness the phenomenon. Geologists have ruled out seismic activity as the cause, with some experts suggesting that trapped air within underground rock formations may be the likely explanation. A specialized team from Gandhinagar has been dispatched to conduct a formal investigation into the mystery.

New IT rules: Social media firms get 2-hour deadline to remove sensitive content

Wild Bear Kills Two Siblings, Injures Third in Chhattisgarh's Kanker District

A wild bear attacked a group of siblings in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh, resulting in two deaths. A brother and sister were killed in the assault, while a third sibling sustained injuries. The attack is reported to have been triggered by the bear's aggression following the death of its cub. The incident has raised concerns about human-wildlife conflict in the region.

India Eyes Drones and Precision Weapons as Next Big Defence Export Push

Recent global conflicts have reshaped military priorities, bringing drones, loitering munitions, precision weapons, and air-defence systems to the forefront of defence planning. While the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has been India's most prominent defence export success, attention is now shifting toward emerging weapons categories. The evolving nature of modern warfare has highlighted strong international demand for unmanned and precision-guided systems. India is positioning itself to capitalise on this demand by developing and exporting next-generation defence technologies beyond its established missile programmes.

Indian Markets Set for Weak Open as Global Cues Turn Negative

Indian stock markets are expected to begin trading on a weak note, weighed down by negative global signals. Brent crude futures climbed to $83.48 per barrel, adding to market concerns. US WTI crude futures also rose by 85 cents, reaching $78.84 per barrel. Rising oil prices typically exert pressure on import-dependent economies like India, influencing investor sentiment ahead of the opening bell.

Ajinkya Rahane Opens Up on Two Years as India's 12th Man After Retirement

Ajinkya Rahane, who has recently retired from all forms of cricket, revealed that he spent two years as India's 12th man during his career. The right-handed batter represented India in 85 Tests, accumulating 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, with 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. In ODIs, Rahane featured in 90 matches, scoring 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26, including 3 hundreds and 24 fifties. He also made 20 appearances for India in T20 internationals across his career.

Security Forces Hunt Lashkar Commander Latif Bhat in J&K With Rs 15 Lakh Bounty

Indian security forces have launched a manhunt for Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Latif Bhat in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have announced a bounty of Rs 15 lakh for information leading to his capture. 'Wanted' posters featuring Bhat's photograph have been put up across multiple districts in South Kashmir and parts of Jammu province. The poster campaign reflects an intensified effort by security agencies to track down the militant operative.

Italy, France, Germany battle extreme heat as Europe faces record temperatures

Rahul Gandhi flags Ken-Betwa tribal displacement; complaints forwarded to MP govt

Prashant Kishor meets NCP's Sunetra Pawar post bypoll win, BJP voices displeasure

Political strategist Prashant Kishor met NCP leaders Sunetra and Parth Pawar following his recent bypoll victory in a BJP stronghold constituency. The meeting has triggered notable displeasure within the BJP, an ally of the NCP. BJP leaders raised concerns about engaging with a strategist who has historically worked against the party. This was the second meeting between Kishor and the NCP leaders within a span of three months, signalling a deepening association.

NYC Mayor Mamdani orders Amazon, Walmart to halt illegal high-speed e-bike sales

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has directed major online retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, along with over 40 others, to stop selling illegal high-speed e-bikes. The move is aimed at improving public safety and preventing accidents linked to these devices on city streets. Mamdani has also proposed establishing five city-funded grocery stores across New York City. These stores would offer essential goods at significantly lower prices, delivering meaningful annual savings to everyday New Yorkers.

New Tax Bill Lets Government Decide Free Digital Payment Modes: Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has clarified that UPI transaction charges, if any, will apply only to merchants and not to individual customers. The clarification came in the context of the new Tax Bill currently under consideration. The proposed legislation would grant the central government authority to determine which electronic payment modes or transactions remain free of charge. The move is aimed at providing regulatory flexibility over digital payment infrastructure in India.

NASA Astronauts Menon and Meir Complete ISS Spacewalk for Solar Array Upgrade

NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir successfully completed a spacewalk outside the International Space Station. The mission focused on installing new hardware intended to support the station's solar array systems. The spacewalk is part of ongoing efforts to upgrade the ISS's power generation capabilities. Both astronauts performed the extravehicular activity as part of a planned maintenance and improvement operation.

PM Modi Urges Indians to Buy Handloom Products on National Handloom Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on citizens to purchase handloom products in support of the country's weaving community. His appeal coincides with the observance of National Handloom Day. Modi also encouraged people to create and share 'Get Ready With Me' style videos featuring handloom items. The initiative aims to boost visibility and demand for traditional handloom textiles across India.

Oil Prices Climb 1% as Hormuz Shipping Uncertainty Persists Amid Middle East Tensions

Oil prices edged up on Friday as uncertainty around shipping through the Strait of Hormuz kept traders cautious. The critical waterway has been disrupted by the ongoing Middle East conflict, prompting Iran and Oman to explore alternative transit arrangements. US President Donald Trump suggested a possible resolution to the conflict may be in sight. The modest price gains reversed earlier market declines, reflecting sensitivity to geopolitical developments in the region.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to Sign Joint Defence Pact in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are set to formalize a joint defence agreement on Friday. The signing ceremony is scheduled to take place in the Saudi city of Jeddah. The development was confirmed by sources with close ties to the Saudi military and government, who spoke to AFP. The trilateral pact marks a significant step in defence cooperation among the three Muslim-majority nations.

Iran President met a 'voice in the dark', isn't sure it was Supreme Leader Mojtaba

Indian-Origin PhD Student Missing After US Hike Found Dead

An Indian-origin PhD student who went missing during a hike in the United States has been found dead. Authorities have confirmed the discovery but have not yet released details regarding the cause of death. Investigators have indicated no signs of foul play at this stage. The case is currently under investigation as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances of his death.