India

Rainfall in eastern river basins down 20% since 1951: Study on water availability in Indus river system

Syria Links Damascus Bombings During Macron's Visit to ISIS Cell

A Syrian security official confirmed on Thursday that two bomb blasts in Damascus were carried out by a cell linked to the Islamic State group. The explosions occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the Syrian capital. Authorities identified the perpetrators as affiliated with ISIS following an investigation into the attacks. The bombings marked a significant security incident during a high-profile diplomatic visit to Syria.

Amazon apologises after barring breastfeeding CEO and baby from business programme

Scottish entrepreneur Rachael Bews, founder and CEO of marketing agency Nu Coton, was denied entry to an Amazon business event after being told she could not bring her breastfeeding infant onto the company's fulfilment centre site. Bews had earned a place on Amazon's Innovation Accelerator, a UK programme aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses. The incident left her feeling 'devastated', as she was effectively excluded from an opportunity she had secured. Amazon has since issued an apology following the incident.

Venezuela Twin Earthquakes Death Toll Climbs to 3,889 Two Weeks On

A pair of powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela two weeks ago have now claimed at least 3,889 lives, according to an official government report released on Thursday. The disaster has also left nearly 17,000 people injured. The updated figures reflect the continued rise in casualties since the tremors first hit. Authorities published the toll as relief and recovery efforts remain ongoing across affected areas.

France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals

France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals, securing their spot in the last four. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scored the goals in the second half to seal the win. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a penalty save and several key stops but could not prevent his side's elimination. France dominated the match with relentless attacking pressure throughout. Les Bleus will next face either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals, to be held in Dallas.

North Korea Vows to Expand and Modernise Nuclear Arsenal, State Media Reports

North Korea has announced plans to bolster its nuclear forces both in size and sophistication, according to state media outlet KCNA. The decision was reported on Friday, with leader Kim Jong Un calling for a broad modernisation of the country's military capabilities. The announcement signals Pyongyang's continued commitment to expanding its weapons programme despite international pressure. No specific details about timelines or the nature of the planned enhancements were disclosed in the report.

Taylor Swift and Blake Lively friendship under scrutiny amid reported rift

Reports have reignited speculation about a possible falling-out between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively. According to anonymous sources, Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds were notably absent from Swift's wedding celebrations. Unnamed insiders claim Lively had hoped to mend the friendship but did not receive an invitation. Some reports suggest the relationship may be irreparable at this point. Neither Swift nor Lively has publicly commented, leaving all claims unverified and based solely on unnamed sources.

New Jersey Devils Front Race to Acquire Seattle Kraken's Shane Wright

Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright is reportedly seeking a trade from the team ahead of the upcoming NHL season. Wright, who earns $2.6 million, is working closely with his agent to facilitate a move. The trade request is believed to stem from a strained relationship between Wright and the Kraken's coaching staff. Several teams have been linked to the forward, but the New Jersey Devils have emerged as the frontrunner to acquire him.

Minister chairs key wildlife body meetings, reviews over 100 projects for clearance

Punjab ex-min kingpin of fake iPhone export scam: ED chargesheet

Trump Signs Proclamation Exempting Commercial Aircraft Imports from New Tariffs

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday exempting commercial aircraft and their parts from new import tariffs. The decision came following a formal investigation into the commercial aviation sector. The US government ultimately chose not to impose additional duties on these imports. No further details were provided regarding the scope or duration of the exemption.

Trump Briefs Netanyahu on US Military Operations in the Gulf

US President Donald Trump contacted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to update him on American military operations in the Gulf region. The briefing was confirmed by Netanyahu's office. The call came shortly after Iran reported fresh strikes by US forces. The exact nature or scale of the reported American operations was not immediately detailed in official statements.

King Charles Hopes to Meet Prince Harry During His UK Visit

King Charles is reportedly eager to meet his son Prince Harry during the Duke's upcoming visit to the United Kingdom. The King has instructed senior aides to continue negotiations with Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to arrange a family meeting. The development signals renewed efforts to mend the strained relationship between Charles and his younger son. Charles is also said to be hoping the visit will include an opportunity to see his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.

E25 Fuel Blend Still in Testing Phase, No Rollout Decision Made: Puri

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has clarified that the E25 fuel blend is currently in the testing stage and no decision on its wider rollout has been taken yet. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari acknowledged that ethanol's lower calorific value can marginally affect vehicle mileage. Gadkari also stressed the importance of giving consumers access to a variety of alternative fuels based on regional availability. Puri addressed earlier concerns about engine damage, stating those complaints had been linked to factors unrelated to the fuel blend itself.

Desk jobs could be a silent cancer risk — morning workouts may not be enough

Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sonmez sparks debate with watermelon symbol at Wimbledon

Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sonmez attracted widespread attention at Wimbledon after displaying a small watermelon accessory on her racket. The watermelon is widely recognized as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity, incorporating the colors of the Palestinian flag. Sonmez stated she resorted to the accessory after Wimbledon officials prohibited her from wearing a brooch with a similar meaning. She publicly questioned the apparent inconsistency in rules governing expressions of support for Ukraine versus Palestine at the tournament. Sonmez is a rising figure in professional tennis, having recently made strides in her WTA rankings.

Once-weekly insulin injection now available in India, but suits select patients only

Indian diabetes patients now have access to a new once-weekly insulin injection, drastically cutting the number of annual shots from daily doses to just 52. Doctors have welcomed the development as an expansion of treatment options rather than a wholesale replacement for existing therapies. The weekly formulation is considered most appropriate for patients who specifically require basal insulin replacement. Medical professionals caution that the drug is not universally suitable for all diabetic patients. Meanwhile, other emerging diabetes treatments are also helping reduce overall insulin dependency.

Kim Kardashian Said to Have Pulled Back from Romance with Lewis Hamilton

Reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian is reportedly stepping back from her romantic involvement with Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton. The pair had attracted significant public attention since their relationship became a subject of widespread speculation. Reports suggest that Kardashian gave the relationship considerable thought before making her decision. The development comes amid earlier rumors that the two were heading toward a split.

Supreme Court: Failing to report child sexual abuse is a punishable Pocso offence

The Supreme Court has ruled that failure to report child sexual abuse constitutes a punishable offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. The ruling came as the court allowed the prosecution of a school headmistress who did not inform police after receiving a complaint of rape involving a child. The judgment reinforces the mandatory reporting obligation placed on individuals, particularly those in positions of authority, under Pocso. The court's decision signals that institutional silence or inaction in cases of child sexual abuse will not be tolerated under the law.

India & Aus unlock ‘PACTS’ to boost defence & tech ties, secure deal for uranium supply