India

Chennai Grand Masters 2026: Gukesh, Erigaisi, Niemann headline July event

The Chennai Grand Masters 2026 is scheduled from July 16 to 22 in Chennai. The tournament will feature eight top grandmasters, including World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, Arjun Erigaisi, and Hans Niemann. It will follow a single round-robin format, with players competing for a prize pool of Rs 75 lakh and valuable FIDE Circuit points. Organisers have confirmed that no Challengers section will be held this year.

Tesla driver sleeps at 100 km/h as sunglasses trick car's eye-tracking system

A Tesla driver was caught on camera asleep while the vehicle traveled at 100 km/h, with two young children inside the car. The incident exposed a critical flaw in Tesla's driver monitoring system, which relies on eye-tracking technology to detect driver alertness. The driver had reportedly worn large sunglasses that obstructed the system's sensors, preventing it from registering inattentiveness. This case raises serious concerns about the reliability of Tesla's safety systems and their vulnerability to simple workarounds.

Hardeep Puri Dismisses E20 Backlash as Deliberate Fearmongering

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri has strongly rejected the backlash against India's E20 ethanol-blended fuel program, calling it deliberate fearmongering. Speaking to NDTV, he drew parallels between the current controversy and what he described as a manufactured panic over LPG prices last year. Puri defended India's biofuel policy, stating it has saved the country Rs 1.9 lakh crore in foreign exchange expenditure. He also highlighted the program's role in reducing India's dependence on fuel imports amid ongoing volatility linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

DRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket in Latest Trial

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully conducted a flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket. The trial marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to develop indigenous rocket artillery capabilities. The Pinaka system is designed to enable the Indian Army to carry out precision strikes at extended ranges. This latest test comes after a previously successful proof trial of the Pinaka Extended Range Rocket.

Grandson spends life savings on World Cup trip for grandfather, gets refund after England win

A grandson used his entire life savings to fund a World Cup trip for his grandfather, traveling across the USA and Mexico for the tournament. The pair gained widespread attention online during their journey. A crypto casino offered to reimburse the cost if England won their match, and following England's victory, the company made good on its promise. The unexpected refund left the young fan stunned. The grandfather and grandson are continuing to enjoy their once-in-a-lifetime experience at the tournament.

US, Canada, Europe Arrest 24 in 'Operation Hardball' Targeting Organised Crime

Law enforcement agencies from the United States, Canada, and Europe jointly conducted a coordinated operation named 'Operation Hardball'. The operation resulted in the arrest of 24 individuals suspected of links to organised crime networks. Among the groups targeted was the Bishnoi gang, along with two other organised crime outfits. The multinational crackdown highlights growing cross-border cooperation to dismantle transnational criminal organisations.

ISRO Clears Fifth Parachute Airdrop Test for Gaganyaan Crew Module

The Indian Space Research Organisation has successfully completed a key qualification test for the main parachute system of its Gaganyaan crew module. The test was designed to validate the parachute's structural integrity under maximum expected load conditions. A simulated assembly was dropped from an aircraft to evaluate the system's real-world performance. This was the fifth integrated main parachute airdrop test conducted as part of the Gaganyaan mission. The positive outcome boosts confidence in the parachute system ahead of the mission's upcoming uncrewed flight.

Under-Construction Building Collapses in Delhi, Multiple People Feared Trapped

An under-construction building collapsed in Delhi, leaving multiple people feared trapped under the debris. Emergency response teams, including police and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were swiftly deployed to the site. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with at least two individuals successfully pulled out from the rubble. The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been confirmed, and the full extent of casualties remains unclear.

Modi, Prabowo inaugurate ASI-led joint conservation project for 9th-century temple site in Indonesia

Shiv Sena Corporator Arrested for Assaulting Thane Doctor and Medical Staff

A Shiv Sena corporator from the Eknath Shinde faction, Ramesh Mhatre, has been arrested in Thane for physically assaulting a doctor and other medical staff members. The incident has left the affected doctor feeling terrified and reportedly facing threats. Mhatre, an elected local body representative, was taken into custody following the attack. The assault on healthcare workers by a public official has drawn significant attention and concern.

The Daily Catch-Up: Today’s stories you shouldn’t miss

Djokovic battles calf injury in 5-hour win to reach Wimbledon semi-finals

Novak Djokovic advanced to the Wimbledon 2026 semi-finals after a grueling five-hour-15-minute quarter-final match against Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Serbian veteran overcame a calf injury and intense pressure to claim a five-set victory. The hard-fought win is considered one of the most demanding of Djokovic's career. He will next face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in what promises to be a high-profile semi-final clash.

Sukhbir Badal to Screen Film 'Satluj' on 1984 Sikh Persecution

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Badal has announced plans to screen the film 'Satluj', which depicts the suffering of Sikhs during a turbulent period in the 1980s. Badal described the film as a truthful account of a painful era that followed the Congress government's military operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. He stated the film also portrays the killing of thousands of unarmed Sikh youth during that period. The screening is intended to highlight what Badal called the torture and sacrifices endured by the Sikh community.

Trump Warns of Fresh Strikes on Iran, Says Nuclear Deal Is Over

US President Donald Trump declared the nuclear deal with Iran 'over' and warned of further military strikes during a NATO Summit appearance in Ankara, Turkey. Trump stated that the US had already struck Iran 'very hard' the previous night and indicated another round of strikes was planned for the same evening. His remarks signal a sharp escalation in US-Iran tensions. The comments were made publicly at the NATO Summit, suggesting Washington is not seeking to conceal its military intentions toward Tehran.

Telstra Nationwide Outage Sparks Govt Criticism as Software Defect Blamed

Australian telecom giant Telstra suffered a nationwide outage that disrupted phone services and online payments across the country. Communications Minister Anika Wells criticised the incident, remarking that telcos remain the least trusted industry among consumers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the disruption as a significant national event. Telstra later clarified that the failure stemmed from a software defect rather than a cyberattack. Authorities and the company have since launched investigations to determine the full extent and root cause of the outage.

England veteran to retire from international cricket after Lord's Test vs India

An England cricket legend, aged 35, has announced plans to retire from international cricket following the upcoming Test match at Lord's against India. The player's international career spans over 15 years, having begun in 2009. Lord's will serve as the final venue for the cricketer's distinguished international journey. The retirement announcement marks the end of a long and notable career representing England at the highest level.

Qatari LNG Tanker Struck Near Strait of Hormuz, Crew Evacuated Safely

A Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz and is currently awaiting salvage operations. All crew members onboard were safely evacuated following the incident. The LNG cargo stored within the vessel's tanks remains intact, with no reported breach. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping lane for oil and gas transport, making the incident strategically significant.

Dombivli doctor mulls quitting after assault by Sena corporator, family fears repeat attack

A young doctor at Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli is considering leaving her job after being assaulted by a Shiv Sena corporator. The incident has left her deeply traumatized, with her family raising serious concerns about her safety and mental health. Although the primary accused has been arrested, fears of a repeat attack persist. The assault triggered widespread outrage among the medical community, leading to protests and suspension of routine OPD services. Emergency medical services continued to operate during the demonstrations.

PM to Deliver Keys to 10,000 Dharavi Homes Within 18 Months, Says Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the state Assembly that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hand over keys to 10,000 homes in Dharavi within 18 months. The Dharavi redevelopment project is being positioned as more than a standard housing scheme. Fadnavis emphasized that the initiative aims to transform both the living standards and economic landscape of the area. The announcement signals a significant push by the state government to accelerate one of India's most ambitious urban redevelopment projects.

India-EU FTA is more than just a trade pact… Both sides have chosen openness over protectionism: EU Ambassador Delphin