India
Taxi Driver Killed in Assault Near Kamakhya Temple in Assam
A taxi driver was beaten to death near the Kamakhya Temple in Assam on Wednesday. The fatal assault occurred in the Kamakhya Shamshan area and involved an altercation between the victim and the accused. The confrontation escalated into deadly violence, resulting in the driver's death. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

EPF Scheme 2026: Key Changes and Continuities Explained for Subscribers
The government has introduced the EPF Scheme 2026, bringing updates to the existing provident fund framework. Existing PF accounts will continue to remain active under the new scheme, offering continuity to current subscribers. Contribution rates are broadly unchanged, ensuring employees and employers are not significantly impacted. Accumulated balances in existing accounts remain protected under the revised framework. The new scheme addresses common subscriber questions around contributions, withdrawals, and retirement savings.
Arthur Fery clarifies nationality amid British-French debate at Wimbledon 2026
Arthur Fery, a 23-year-old wildcard, has become one of the standout stories at Wimbledon 2026 after reaching the semi-finals. His remarkable run has drawn widespread admiration from British fans. However, his French birth and parentage have also sparked interest and debate in France over his national identity. Fery has publicly addressed the ongoing discussion about his nationality amid the attention surrounding his tournament run.
Ashwin criticises selectors for dropping Sanju Samson from Zimbabwe T20I squad
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly condemned the selection decision to exclude Sanju Samson from India's T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series. Ashwin argued that dropping Samson based on a handful of poor scores was illogical and unjust. He expressed concern that frequent and inconsistent team changes undermine player confidence and destabilise India's T20 setup. Ashwin also warned that such an environment could push players toward prioritising personal safety over match-winning performances. The exclusion has triggered widespread debate among fans and commentators in Indian cricket circles.
Prince Narula opens up about anxiety battle, 18 tablets a day and marital strain
Reality TV star Prince Narula has publicly shared his prolonged struggle with severe anxiety, during which he was consuming as many as 18 tablets daily and experienced significant weight gain. The health crisis took a toll on his marriage with actress Yuvika Chaudhary, pushing the couple to the brink of separation due to emotional exhaustion. Narula credited music and his wife's support as key factors that helped him cope through the difficult period. The couple's perspective eventually shifted after becoming parents, with their daughter playing a central role in resolving their conflicts.
Telangana Teen Arrested for Stealing Cash and Gold from Multiple Temples
A 19-year-old has been arrested in Adilabad, Telangana, in connection with a series of thefts at multiple temples. The teenager was taken into custody after investigators linked him to the crimes. Upon arrest, he confessed to stealing cash and gold valuables from the religious sites. The incidents occurred across the Adilabad region of Telangana.

Salesforce staff baffled as Claude AI promoted inside Slack over its own tools
Salesforce is pushing Anthropic's Claude Tag AI agent within Slack, the workplace platform it acquired for $27.7 billion, according to a report by The Information. The move has left Salesforce employees confused, as Claude Tag directly competes with the company's own AI products, Slackbot and Agentforce. Salesforce holds a 1% stake in Anthropic and spends approximately $300 million annually on Anthropic's tokens, deepening its financial ties to the rival AI firm. Critics note the arrangement blurs the boundary between Salesforce's in-house AI offerings and those of its external partner. The situation raises questions about Salesforce's long-term strategy, given that Anthropic's growing capabilities could eventually reduce its dependence on Slack altogether.
Trump Seeks Exit from Iran Conflict, but Risks Remain High
The United States under President Trump is looking to step back from direct confrontation with Iran. However, de-escalation carries significant strategic risks for Washington. Iran has demonstrated a willingness to assert pressure over key global oil-shipping routes in the region. A perceived American retreat could embolden Tehran to leverage its position over these critical waterways in the future. Balancing disengagement with deterrence remains a complex challenge for the Trump administration.

Blue Origin seeks first outside funding, targets $10 billion raise to rival SpaceX
Jeff Bezos's space company Blue Origin is pursuing outside investment for the first time in its history. The company is aiming to raise $10 billion at a high valuation to accelerate its growth plans. This marks a notable departure from Bezos's longtime practice of personally financing the venture. The fundraising push comes as Blue Origin works to strengthen its competitive position against Elon Musk's SpaceX in the commercial space industry.
Australia Eyes Uranium Exports to India to Support Clean Energy Goals
Australia holds approximately 28 percent of the world's total uranium resources, making it one of the largest reserve holders globally. The country does not use nuclear power domestically nor does it maintain nuclear weapons, exporting its entire uranium output. India, which is expanding its nuclear energy capacity as part of its clean energy transition, could potentially benefit from Australian uranium supplies. Such a partnership could help India reduce its dependence on fossil fuels while meeting its growing electricity demand.

Mahindra ordered to refund buyer who paid full price for XUV500 in 2013 but never got car
A consumer commission in Puducherry has directed Mahindra and its dealer to refund a customer who paid the full price for an XUV500 in 2013 but never received the vehicle. The state commission held Mahindra primarily responsible for failing to deliver the car. The dealer was also found partially at fault for delays in processing the purchase order. Mahindra has been ordered to return the entire amount paid along with compensation to the buyer.
Palestinian Town Residents Form Volunteer Groups to Resist Israeli Settler Attacks
Residents of a Palestinian town have organized volunteer defense groups in response to ongoing attacks they attribute to Israeli settlers. Volunteer Fadi Alwan described a sense of abandonment, stating the community feels it has been left to fend for itself. The settlers involved are said to have backing from the Israeli government, according to locals. The situation highlights growing tensions between Palestinian communities and settler activity in the region.

Mumbai Records a Month's Rainfall in One Week Amid Climate Concerns
Mumbai received rainfall exceeding its normal monthly totals within a single week, marking an unprecedented weather event for the city. Climate scientists attribute the extreme intensity to rising air and sea temperatures driven by climate change, which are altering traditional monsoon patterns across India. Rain events are becoming more concentrated and severe as a result of these atmospheric shifts. Rapid urban development and aging infrastructure have worsened flooding across Mumbai during such episodes. Experts warn that smarter city planning and preservation of natural buffers are essential to adapt to these increasingly erratic monsoons.
Trump Switches Back to Air Force One After Brief Use of Qatar-Gifted Jet
President Donald Trump has opted to travel on Air Force One again, setting aside the Qatari-gifted Boeing 747 he had recently been using. Trump described the return to the official presidential aircraft as being for 'old time's sake.' The decision has reignited security concerns surrounding the Qatari jet, which the US had spent approximately $400 million to retrofit. Critics and security officials have questioned the safety and counterintelligence risks of using a foreign-gifted aircraft for presidential travel.

OpenAI Set to Release Three-Tier GPT-5.6 AI Model Series This Thursday
OpenAI is preparing to launch its latest AI model series, GPT-5.6, on Thursday. The new lineup consists of three distinct tiers catering to different user needs. Sol serves as the flagship, top-tier model, while Terra is designed as a mid-range option for everyday tasks. Luna rounds out the series as a lightweight, faster, and more affordable alternative.


