India

Quran Verses at Khamenei Funeral Spark Diplomatic Row with Saudi Delegation

The funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei became an unexpected arena for diplomatic tension. A notable controversy emerged involving the Saudi Arabian delegation, which was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim. Quranic verses recited or displayed during the ceremony reportedly took on a diplomatic significance, drawing reactions from attending foreign representatives. The incident highlighted the complex and sensitive nature of Iran's religious symbolism in its foreign relations. The episode underscored ongoing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two rival powers in the Middle East.

Bengaluru Man and Family Assaulted by Nine Men on Mysuru Expressway

Sagar Kumar and his family were attacked by a group of approximately nine men on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway. Kumar recounted the incident to NDTV, describing it as a brutal assault. In a desperate attempt to stop the attackers, his wife reportedly offered them gold, but the assault continued regardless. The violent incident has left Kumar's wife deeply traumatised in its aftermath.

Steve Wynn Relists NYC Ritz-Carlton Penthouse at $70M After Failed Sale

Casino billionaire Steve Wynn has relisted his New York City penthouse at the Ritz-Carlton Central Park for $70 million. The property had previously been on the market at a higher asking price but failed to attract a buyer. The duplex spans nearly 11,000 square feet and features expansive living areas with panoramic views of Central Park. The reduced relisting price is seen as a reflection of current conditions in the ultra-luxury residential real estate segment.

India's IT Sector May Cut 35,000 Tech Jobs in 2026 Amid AI-Driven Restructuring

India's IT services industry, valued at over $315 billion, is projected to eliminate around 35,000 technology jobs in 2026. The cuts reflect an ongoing restructuring phase driven largely by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across the sector. Companies are trimming workforces that were significantly expanded during the pandemic-era hiring boom. This rationalization follows three consecutive years of subdued business conditions that have pressured IT firms to reduce costs. The trend signals a broader structural shift in how India's tech industry deploys and manages its workforce.

Chaos at Khamenei Funeral in Iraq Amid Renewed US-Iran Military Strikes

Thousands of mourners gathered in Iraq for the funeral of Ali Khamenei, creating chaotic scenes around his casket. The large crowds made the proceedings difficult to manage, with reports of disorder at the ceremony. Simultaneously, fresh military exchanges between the United States and Iran broke out, raising serious concerns about regional stability. The renewed strikes threatened to collapse an interim peace arrangement that had been in place between the two adversaries. The dual crises of the funeral unrest and escalating military tensions have significantly heightened fears of a broader conflict.

Satellite Images Expose 5,000-Mile Sargassum Seaweed Belt Across Atlantic

A massive belt of sargassum seaweed stretching 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean has been captured in satellite imagery. The brown macroalgae, once a vital component of marine ecosystems, has grown rapidly due to nutrient-rich agricultural and industrial runoff from land. Its unchecked spread is now causing serious environmental and economic harm, particularly threatening coastal tourism and the livelihoods of local communities. Scientists are studying how shifting nutrient levels and ocean currents are driving this phenomenon. Researchers stress that reducing land-based pollution is the most critical step toward controlling sargassum's explosive growth.

Microsoft lays off 4,800 staff, offers severance and stock vesting to US workers

Microsoft announced a major round of job cuts this week, affecting approximately 4,800 employees worldwide. The layoffs are concentrated in the company's sales division and Xbox gaming business. Employees based in the United States will receive severance packages that include extended base pay and continued stock vesting for those who qualify. The workforce reduction is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to cut costs and redirect investment toward artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Serial Hotel Fraudster Who Idolized Charles Sobhraj Arrested After 300 Unpaid Stays

A man inspired by notorious criminal Charles Sobhraj allegedly defrauded over 300 five-star hotels across India without paying his bills. Police revealed the accused has a long criminal history, having first been arrested in 1996 and serving time in Tihar Jail. He subsequently spent nearly 15 years in prisons across multiple Indian states. Despite his repeated incarcerations, the suspect continued his pattern of luxury hotel fraud upon each release. Authorities have now taken him into custody once again in connection with the latest string of offenses.

ICC Investigates ECB Over Dressing Room Footage Amid Stokes Retirement Debate

England all-rounder Ben Stokes sparked fresh retirement speculation after posting a cryptic 'Sack him...' message on social media. The International Cricket Council has launched an investigation into the England and Wales Cricket Board over a video filmed inside the team's dressing room. The footage in question was recorded prior to Stokes publicly announcing his retirement from Test cricket. The ICC alleges the ECB violated regulations by releasing the video before the appropriate time. The probe comes at a sensitive moment for English cricket, as the board is currently searching for a new Test captain.

Road Caves In During Heavy Rain in Ghaziabad, Two Vehicles Fall Into Pit

A road in Ghaziabad collapsed amid heavy rainfall, causing an SUV and a scooter to fall into the resulting pit. The incident occurred near an active construction site along the road. Visuals from the scene show both vehicles trapped at the bottom of the cavity. Debris was seen continuing to fall onto the two vehicles after the collapse.

Germany records over 5,100 heat deaths as Europe reels under record-breaking summer

Microsoft lays off Xbox Vice President after 37 years with the company

Assam Introduces Online Transit Pass System to Fight Illegal Timber Trade

Assam has launched an online transit pass system aimed at curbing the illegal trade of timber in the state. The initiative was announced by Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, who emphasized the need for stronger interdepartmental coordination. The minister highlighted that forest royalty and GST are closely linked, making cooperation between the forest and tax departments essential. The digital system is intended to bring greater transparency and accountability to the movement of timber across the state.

Iceland tops Global Peace Index for 19th consecutive year in 2026

Iceland has retained its position as the world's most peaceful country for the 19th straight year, according to the 2026 Global Peace Index. The Nordic nation attributes its standing to the complete absence of a military force. Exceptionally low crime rates further contribute to its peaceful reputation. A strong sense of community and a cooperative, non-confrontational policing approach also play key roles in maintaining national tranquility.

Afghanistan Cricket Mourns Death of Fast Bowler Shapoor Zadran at 38

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran passed away in India at the age of 38 after battling a prolonged illness. He had been receiving treatment in New Delhi for a rare and life-threatening medical condition. Zadran represented Afghanistan in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is across an international career spanning 2009 to 2020. The cricket community, including star spinner Rashid Khan, was visibly moved as Afghanistan paid tribute to the late bowler. Zadran is remembered for his contributions to Afghan cricket and his resilience both on and off the field.

Balcony Collapses at Gurgaon Luxury Apartment After Heavy Rain, No Injuries

A balcony at a luxury residential complex in Gurgaon collapsed on Thursday morning following heavy rainfall. Falling debris narrowly missed residents who were passing below, and no injuries were reported. Authorities cordoned off the affected area and initiated an investigation into the structural safety of the building. Residents raised concerns about builder negligence and called for a thorough structural audit. They also demanded a comprehensive assessment of the entire complex to evaluate its structural integrity.

Idaho anti-vaccine activist charged with murdering her infant twins

Andrea Shaw, an Idaho woman, has been charged with murder for allegedly suffocating her infant twin sons, Dallas and Tyson, in May 2025. She had previously claimed that routine childhood vaccines were responsible for their deaths, gaining prominence in anti-vaccine circles following the tragedy. Prosecutors contend that Shaw deliberately killed the infants, contradicting her public claims. Her defense team intends to argue that vaccine-related complications were the true cause of death as she awaits trial.

Monsoon finally covers entire India, marking slowest advance since 2021

How Vienna Keeps Housing Affordable for Half Its Population

Vienna operates a century-old social housing model that provides affordable homes to roughly half of the city's residents. Unlike many systems that target only the poor, it includes middle-income earners, helping prevent social segregation. Tenants benefit from long-term open-ended contracts and are not required to pay upfront deposits. The city retains public ownership of housing stock and continues to expand supply to meet demand. This approach is widely regarded as a benchmark for sustainable urban housing policy.

Watch: Iran shares video showing Khamenei's battered compound after US-Israeli strikes