India

Gold Rate Today, July 8: Check 18, 22 and 24 carat gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other cities

Rupee falls 20 paise against dollar amid rising crude prices, strong dollar

The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar on Wednesday, reversing earlier gains. A surge in crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions weighed on currency markets. The dollar index gained strength, while Brent crude futures rose sharply, adding further pressure. Domestic equity markets also opened on a cautious note, reflecting the broader negative sentiment. Despite the turbulence, foreign institutional investors had remained net buyers of Indian equities in the previous session.

Jayant Patil-Vinod Tawde meeting fuels NCP (SP) split and NDA merger rumours

A meeting between NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil and BJP's Vinod Tawde has triggered speculation about Sharad Pawar's faction potentially joining the NDA. Patil downplayed the meeting, calling it non-political and incidental to a parliamentary committee visit. The rumours were further stoked by an earlier statement from NCP (SP) MP Amol Kolhe. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis denied any BJP effort to engineer a split in the Sharad Pawar-led party. NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule also dismissed the speculation, saying she had no knowledge of the meeting.

Telangana Couple Consume Poison on Train Near Secunderabad

A man and a woman, reportedly involved in an extramarital affair, attempted suicide by consuming poison aboard a train near Secunderabad, Telangana. The incident was discovered while the train was in transit. Both individuals were swiftly rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment. Their current health condition has not been officially confirmed. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the act.

AAP mocks BJP over E20 fuel rollout with satirical petrol pump receipt graphic

The Aam Aadmi Party shared a satirical graphic styled as a fuel station receipt to criticise the BJP-led government's ethanol blending policy. The mock receipt labelled the product as 'E20 Premium Receipt', claiming the blend consists of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol. It highlighted consumer concerns by listing 'Customer Choice 0%', 'Price Reduction Rs 0.00', and a potential 20–30% drop in mileage. The graphic concluded with a note that customers are charged full petrol prices despite receiving a fuel blend of reportedly lower value. AAP also took a dig at the government's communication, adding the line 'Terms and conditions not explained'.

NTA to Release UGC NET June 2026 Answer Key by July 20

The National Testing Agency is expected to publish the provisional answer key for UGC NET June 2026 between July 15 and July 20, following the exam's conclusion on July 5. Approximately 9.08 lakh candidates who appeared for the test will be able to view their OMR sheets once the key is released. This will allow candidates to cross-check their responses and estimate their scores. Candidates who wish to contest any answer in the provisional key can raise objections by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs 200 per question. The final answer key will be prepared after all challenges are reviewed by the agency.

'You can run but can't hide': Armed forces neutralise Lashkar terrorist in J&K's Shopian

US Navy's Modern Warships Face Fires, Electrical Faults and Readiness Concerns

A recent report has raised serious questions about the reliability of advanced US Navy warships following a series of fires and electrical malfunctions. High-profile vessels such as the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Zumwalt have experienced notable operational problems. Experts point to extended deployment periods and heavy dependence on complex technology as key contributing factors. These issues are further worsened by shortages in skilled personnel and insufficient shipyard capacity. Together, these challenges pose a significant threat to the overall combat readiness of the US Navy.

'Bending rules, bullying rivals': Iran uses World Cup to mock US - top developments

US Court Grants Relief to Indian-Origin Doctor Who Drove Tesla Off California Cliff

An Indian-origin doctor received court relief in a case stemming from a January 2, 2023 incident in Northern California. Patel was on a road trip with his wife and two children when his white Tesla went off a cliff. The case drew significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the crash and the family involved. Court proceedings have now resulted in a relief ruling in Patel's favor.

China Considers Restricting Foreign Access to Advanced AI Models

China is reportedly weighing measures to limit overseas access to its most advanced artificial intelligence models. Beijing appears to be treating cutting-edge AI software as a strategically critical national asset. Such restrictions could have significant ripple effects across global technology markets. If implemented, the curbs may lead to higher costs for international businesses relying on Chinese AI capabilities.

FBI puts $50,000 reward on Goldy Brar, wanted in Lawrence Bishnoi gang case

Sena Leader Caught on Camera Assaulting Woman Doctor, Defends His Actions

A Shiv Sena leader was caught on video physically assaulting a woman doctor at a hospital. Despite clear footage of the incident, the leader denied any wrongdoing and defended his behavior. He claimed that the doctors' failure to respond to his phone calls forced him to visit the hospital in person. According to him, had the medical staff picked up his calls, the incident would never have occurred.

AB de Villiers on Nurturing Young Talent Sooryavanshi at 15

Cricket legend AB de Villiers has spoken about his approach to protecting and guiding young cricketer Sooryavanshi, who is just 15 years old. De Villiers emphasized that at that age, a degree of immaturity is natural and should be respected rather than rushed past. The South African great has witnessed cricket's major transformation firsthand, from the rise of T20 leagues to shifting aspirations among young players. His comments reflect a broader concern about how the sport handles teenage prodigies in the modern era.

Social Media Influencers Spreading Unverified Health Advice, Studies Warn

A growing number of Americans are turning to social media influencers and podcasts for medical guidance instead of qualified healthcare professionals. These content creators typically lack medical credentials, and while users find them convenient, the information they provide is often inaccurate. Global research indicates that influencers routinely leave out important risks and downsides associated with health screening tests. Social media algorithms worsen the problem by prioritizing emotionally engaging content, which allows health misinformation to spread rapidly. Even AI systems are struggling to reliably differentiate between fabricated health claims and legitimate medical advice.

Major AI Companies Fall Short on Safety Standards, New Report Finds

A new report has warned that leading global artificial intelligence companies are failing to meet adequate safety measures. The rankings were determined by a team of seven researchers and governance experts. Their assessments were based on publicly available data as well as information submitted directly by the companies. The findings raise concerns about the pace of AI development outstripping responsible safety practices across the industry.

ED Raids UP Properties Linked to Ex-Samajwadi Party MLA in Money Laundering Probe

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids across multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh as part of a money laundering investigation. The searches targeted properties connected to Deep Narayan Singh Yadav, a former MLA from the Samajwadi Party. The operation falls under the ED's mandate to probe financial crimes under anti-money laundering laws. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific assets seized or the total value under scrutiny.

Ugandan Woman Dies in Hit-and-Run Incident in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar

A woman from Uganda lost her life in a suspected hit-and-run accident in the Lajpat Nagar area of Delhi. The incident involved an unidentified vehicle that struck the victim before fleeing the scene. The case has been reported to local authorities, who are investigating the circumstances of the crash. The identity of the driver and the vehicle involved remain unknown at this stage.

No evidence linking India to Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing, says Canada

Indian Blogger's Solo Afghanistan Trip Sparks Debate on Tourism Under Taliban Rule

Indian travel creator Sharanya Iyer undertook a solo journey through Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, documenting its landscapes and engaging with local communities. Her trip ignited a broader debate about whether foreign tourism inadvertently legitimizes the Taliban regime. Iyer countered this concern by arguing that boycotting such countries ultimately harms ordinary citizens and their livelihoods rather than the ruling authorities. She made the case that responsible, mindful tourism can serve as a form of support for people living under oppressive governance.