India

Widow returns medieval relics stolen from Glastonbury Abbey 70 years ago

A medieval abbot's kneecap and a floor tile have been returned to Glastonbury Abbey in England after being missing for over 70 years. The items were originally taken by an 11-year-old schoolboy during an archaeological dig at the site. The boy kept the relics for decades after emigrating to Australia. Following her husband's death in 2025, his widow arranged for the artefacts to be returned to the abbey.

Watch: Scared Thailand school students duck under desks as gunshots ring out; 8 dead

Jharkhand Students on Hunger Strike Demand CBI Probe Into Recruitment Exam

Protests over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations have been ongoing for two weeks. Six students on hunger strike are reportedly experiencing deteriorating health conditions. Two student groups are preparing to march to the state Assembly as talks between protesters and authorities have hit a deadlock. The students are seeking a direct meeting with Chief Minister Hemant Soren and calling for a CBI investigation into exams conducted under his government.

Israel, US complete Arrow missile test amid Iran, Yemen ballistic threats

Rupee falls 6 paise to 95.28 against dollar amid high oil prices, yields

The Indian rupee weakened by six paise against the US dollar on Friday, settling at 95.28. A stronger dollar, rising US Treasury yields, and increased dollar demand from importers were the primary drivers of the decline. Climbing global oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions are expected to put further pressure on the currency. Domestic markets reflected the bearish sentiment, with foreign investors turning net sellers during the session.

China's lab monkey shortage delays drug development, prices double in a year

Prices for cynomolgus macaques used in biomedical research have doubled in China within a year, with one state laboratory paying around $26,000 per animal in June. Biotech executives describe securing research primates as comparably difficult to sourcing Nvidia chips amid tight global supply. The shortage is pushing back preclinical toxicology studies by four to ten months, eroding China's competitive edge in drug development timelines. Zheshang Securities estimates an annual supply deficit of 15,000 to 20,000 monkeys persisting through 2028. Increased imports from Cambodia are expected to partially ease the shortfall.

Teacher Killed, 4 Hurt as Student Opens Fire at Thailand School Before Dying

A shooting broke out on Friday at a high school in Nonthaburi province, Thailand. A teacher was killed and four others were injured in the attack. The student responsible for the shooting subsequently took their own life. Authorities are investigating the incident at the school in Nonthaburi, located near Bangkok.

Iran and Oman Near Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Shipping Routes

Iran has announced that an agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz is close to being finalized. Both countries have confirmed they have reached an understanding on the coordinates for designated shipping routes through the strategically vital waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime passages, through which a significant share of global oil supplies transit. The United States is also reported to be involved in the broader negotiations surrounding the deal. Each party is seeking specific outcomes from the agreement, reflecting their distinct geopolitical and economic interests in the region.

Trump Furious Over Leaked US Weapons Shortage Reports Amid Iran Nuclear Talks

President Trump has expressed anger over media reports revealing depleted US weapons stockpiles, warning of severe penalties for those responsible for the leaks. He acknowledged that some reports accurately reflect tighter supplies of advanced munitions, but fears the disclosures could weaken America's bargaining position. The controversy emerges at a critical stage in ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran. Vice President JD Vance described the talks as exceptionally difficult, characterizing Iranian negotiators as radical.

Parliament Monsoon Session Day 14: Kashmiri Pandits Rehabilitation Bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha

CBI chargesheet names 13 in NEET-UG paper leak, blames NTA insiders

The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet against thirteen individuals in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak scandal. Subject matter experts employed by the National Testing Agency allegedly accessed and illegally shared confidential exam questions. These leaked papers were then passed through a network of intermediaries, including coaching operators and brokers, who sold them to candidates for money. Digital evidence recovered during the probe confirmed that the questions were circulated via messaging platforms. The investigation revealed a well-organised supply chain at the heart of the leak.

Dassault Submits Proposal for 114 Rafale Jets as India Eyes Major Fleet Expansion

French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation has formally submitted its proposal to supply 114 Rafale fighter jets to India. The deal, structured as an intergovernmental agreement, includes 18 ready-to-fly aircraft and 96 to be assembled domestically. Significant technology transfer and local production are key components of the proposed acquisition. If finalized, the purchase would bring India's total Rafale fleet strength to 176 aircraft, substantially bolstering its combat air power.

KL Rahul leads India in warm-up as Gill sits out with finger injury

India's Test captain Shubman Gill sustained a finger injury during a practice session ahead of an upcoming Test series. As a precautionary measure, team management decided to rest him on the first day of the warm-up match. KL Rahul stepped in to lead the side in Gill's absence. The team's support staff is closely monitoring Gill's recovery given the significance of the approaching series.

Protests Disrupt Punjab Congress Meet Over Internal Factionalism

A Punjab Congress meeting was disrupted by protests targeting party leaders Bhupesh Baghel and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Demonstrators raised slogans demanding Baghel leave, reflecting growing discontent within the party's state unit. The incident highlights deepening internal factionalism within the Punjab Congress. The open display of dissent at an official party gathering signals unresolved tensions among competing leadership groups.

Rahul Gandhi Hosts Instagram AMA, Addresses Student Protests and Education

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Instagram, fielding questions from the public. The session covered topics including student protests and what Gandhi described as a collapse of the education system. One of his responses, referencing Batman, drew widespread attention and went viral on social media. The AMA format allowed Gandhi to directly engage with followers in an informal setting. The session highlighted growing concerns among students about the state of education in India.

'Power Banks' for satellites? Bengaluru Company builds tech to keep ageing spacecraft alive

McCullum backs Root's reappointment, eyes Brook as future England Test captain

England Test coach Brendon McCullum has endorsed the reappointment of Joe Root as Test captain, expressing full confidence in his leadership abilities. McCullum also indicated that Harry Brook is being groomed to eventually take over the captaincy role. In a separate development, Stephen Fleming has been appointed as England's new Test coach. Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim coach until Fleming officially assumes the position.

Gold Rate Today, August 7: Check 18, 22 and 24 carat gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other cities

FM Sitharaman: UPI transaction charges to apply to merchants, not customers

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has clarified that any UPI transaction charges will be borne by merchants and not end users. She stated that a Merchant Discount Rate, if introduced, would help strengthen India's digital payments infrastructure. The clarification follows the passage of an amendment bill in Parliament related to digital payment policies. A dedicated committee will now be formed to review potential changes to the existing zero-MDR policy for UPI and other digital transactions.

Thailand school shooting: Student opens fire; 2 dead