India

Siraj pays tribute to Ronaldo after Portugal's World Cup exit against Spain

Portugal were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a Round of 16 defeat to Spain, who scored a decisive goal in the 91st minute to advance to the quarterfinals. The loss brought an end to Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey, with the Portuguese star retiring from the tournament without ever winning the trophy. Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj took to social media to post an emotional tribute to Ronaldo, whom he considers his idol. Siraj's message reflected on Ronaldo's legendary career, suggesting that a single game cannot determine a player's greatness.

Rath Yatra abroad: At odds with ISKCON, Puri temple admin writes to President, PM

‘Baseless allegations’: Ram Temple former chief’s first reaction after Trust exit

AI-Generated Fake Flower Listings Flood eBay, Etsy and Amazon

Online marketplaces including Amazon, eBay, and Etsy are facing a growing problem of fraudulent seed listings that use AI-generated images to depict impossible or non-existent flowers. Scammers exploit AI tools to create convincing fake product photos at scale, luring customers who ultimately receive incorrect or misrepresented seeds. Some fraudulent sellers have accumulated thousands of sales before being identified and removed from the platforms. eBay has stated that it has measures in place to detect and remove misleading AI-generated listings, though the problem persists.

AI Weather System Gave Maharashtra Early Warning Before Nashik Cloudburst

Maharashtra's disaster management authorities received advance localised warnings ahead of a cloudburst event in Nashik district. The alerts were generated by the Bharat Forecast System, known as BharatFS, which is India's next-generation high-resolution weather forecasting platform. The AI-powered system was able to predict highly localised rainfall patterns, enabling officials to stay prepared. The early warnings allowed the state's disaster management machinery to respond proactively to the extreme weather event.

2023 El Niño Could Be Most Extreme in Over 30 Years, Expert Warns

Climate scientist Tim Stockdale, an El Niño expert with over three decades of experience, has warned that this year's El Niño is unlike anything he has previously observed. The current event is expected to break records in both strength and intensity. El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that causes significant shifts in global weather patterns, often leading to droughts, floods, and temperature extremes. Stockdale's warning signals heightened concern among climate scientists about the potential impact of this unusually powerful cycle.

India and Indonesia Deepen Defence and Trade Ties with BrahMos Deal and Sabang Access

India and Indonesia have strengthened their bilateral partnership through a series of significant agreements covering defence, trade, and strategic access. Indonesia is set to acquire BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, marking a major defence export milestone for India. The two countries also discussed Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) technology sharing as part of broader cooperation. A key strategic element is India gaining access to the Sabang port, which sits at the northern tip of the Strait of Malacca — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors. This access is seen as a significant geopolitical move, enhancing India's naval presence in a critical Indo-Pacific chokepoint.

Wayanad Landslide Kills 3 Near Tunnel Site; Opposition Demands Negligence Probe

A deadly landslide struck near a tunnel construction site in Wayanad, Kerala, killing at least three people and injuring several others. The disaster occurred close to Meenakshi Bridge, with mud and debris sweeping downhill and engulfing vehicles in its path. Rescue teams are actively searching for individuals still reported missing following the mudslide. The state government has alleged that contractors repeatedly disregarded safety warnings about excavated soil at the site. Opposition leaders are demanding a thorough investigation, citing possible criminal negligence behind the incident.

Central banks warn of systemic risks as trillions pour into AI investments

Central banks and financial regulators worldwide are raising alarms about the sustainability of massive AI investments. Companies are collectively channeling trillions of dollars into AI systems and advanced computing infrastructure. The Bank for International Settlements has urged caution, drawing a distinction between technological innovation and guaranteed financial returns. Historically, transformative technologies have attracted funding that outpaces their actual economic benefits, echoing patterns seen in past market bubbles. Regulators are being called upon to closely examine the financial structures underpinning AI development and the broader systemic risks they may pose.

India Holds Natural Water Advantage Over China Despite Tibetan Plateau Threat

China has issued warnings related to water, potentially referencing its control over trans-boundary rivers originating from the Tibetan Plateau. However, hydrological data suggests India maintains a significant natural advantage in overall water volume. India's monsoon system delivers vastly greater quantities of rainfall compared to the relatively arid Tibetan plateau that feeds China's water sources. Experts indicate that China's upstream positioning on shared rivers does not offset India's superior water endowment from seasonal monsoons.

Dallas Cowboys Linked to Raiders' Maxx Crosby in Proposed Blockbuster Trade

The Dallas Cowboys have emerged as a potential trade partner for Las Vegas Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby, according to recent reports. The proposed deal would see Dallas send wide receiver George Pickens and a first-round draft pick to Las Vegas in exchange. Former NFL scout Bryan Broaddus suggests the trade would bolster the Cowboys' defense while giving the Raiders a receiving weapon they need. However, Crosby's ongoing recovery from knee surgery remains a critical uncertainty surrounding any potential move. Raiders insider Vincent Bonsignore noted that multiple teams are keeping a close watch on Crosby's health status before engaging in formal trade talks.

'Will respond point-by-point': Champat Rai says will speak after SIT report on Ram temple

Djokovic gifts signed cap to Wimbledon ball girl from viral prank moment

Novak Djokovic reunited with a Wimbledon ball girl who had gone viral after being part of a lighthearted prank involving the Serbian tennis star. The meeting took place ahead of Djokovic's quarter-final clash against Felix Auger-Aliassime at Wimbledon. Djokovic gifted the young ball girl a signed cap, turning the earlier playful incident into a warm personal exchange. The heartwarming encounter quickly drew widespread attention from tennis fans around the world.

Pune woman allegedly married secretly while engaged, linked to fiancé's death

Pune police are investigating Siya Goyal, who allegedly married Chetan Chaudhary in secret while simultaneously being engaged to another man. Digital evidence reportedly suggests the clandestine marriage took place several months before her fiancé's death. Authorities suspect Goyal may have been involved in orchestrating her fiancé's murder even as the two were planning their wedding. Investigators are now examining her social media activity for additional evidence to support their findings.

Roger Federer Stays Late in Wimbledon Royal Box to Watch Day's Matches

Tennis legend Roger Federer remained in the Wimbledon Royal Box well into the evening, watching multiple matches unfold. British player Arthur Fery was visibly surprised to spot Federer in attendance during his contest. Fery secured a quarter-final berth with his victory, setting up a match against Flavio Cobolli. Federer was also present during Alexander Zverev's ongoing match against Jiri Lehecka. Other prominent figures in the Royal Box that day included tennis icon Billie Jean King and England footballer Alessia Russo.

Ukraine Drones Hit 8 Sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers in Sea of Azov

Ukraine's drone forces have struck eight Russian oil tankers operating in the Sea of Azov. All eight vessels were under international sanctions and each had a deadweight of approximately 7,000 tons. The tankers were reportedly part of Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet,' used to transport fuel to Crimea in circumvention of Western restrictions. The strikes represent a significant Ukrainian effort to disrupt Russian fuel supply routes to the occupied peninsula.

NATO Allies Draft New Financing Plans to Meet US Defence Spending Demands

NATO members convened at the Ankara summit to address growing US pressure on defence spending commitments. European nations and Canada have steadily raised their defence budgets since 2017 in response to calls for greater burden-sharing. Four member countries are now working on a new financing model designed to accelerate defence investments across the alliance. A separate proposal under consideration would establish a dedicated bank to fund defence and security initiatives. These collective measures are intended to bolster NATO's joint defence capabilities and sustain military support for Ukraine.

China Storms Kill 15 and Displace Thousands, Xi Orders Rescue Operations

Severe storms and flooding have killed at least 15 people across China, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate their homes. The extreme weather has caused widespread displacement across multiple regions of the country. Chinese President Xi Jinping has personally ordered rescue and relief efforts in response to the disaster. Authorities are working to manage the crisis as the scale of the flooding continues to impact affected communities.

Hikers stranded for hours by bear on Japan trail that reopened after fatal attack

Four hikers were trapped on Mount Rausu in Hokkaido, Japan, after a brown bear blocked their descent trail. The group waited more than three hours before rescue teams reached them by helicopter. The incident occurred shortly after the same trail had been reopened following a previous fatal bear attack. Bear encounters have been rising across Japan, leading authorities to issue warnings to the public.

Montreal Canadiens linked to Penguins winger Rickard Rakell in trade talks

The Montreal Canadiens are exploring the trade market to bolster their offense, with Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell emerging as a potential target. Reporter Elliotte Friedman flagged the connection, drawing attention to Rakell's consistent production and relatively affordable contract. However, several factors complicate a potential deal, including Rakell's age, Pittsburgh's expected asking price, and Montreal's focus on long-term roster building. Rakell has limited trade protection, which could ease logistics, but contending teams may be better placed to acquire him. For now, the link appears to reflect exploratory interest rather than any imminent transaction.