India

Explosions Near Macron's Hotel in Damascus During Syria Presidential Meeting

Explosions occurred in central Damascus close to French President Emmanuel Macron's hotel during his visit to Syria. Despite the blasts, Macron proceeded with his planned meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Macron is the first European Union leader to visit Syria since 2024. The visit centered on reconstruction efforts and the restoration of diplomatic ties between France and Syria. Counterterrorism cooperation and regional security were also key topics on the agenda.

Centre divests 2.52% stake in Cochin Shipyard via OFS at Rs 1,400 per share

The Indian government has launched an Offer for Sale to divest a 2.52% stake in Cochin Shipyard Limited at a price of Rs 1,400 per share. Non-retail investors will be able to place bids on July 7, 2026, while retail investors can participate on July 8, 2026. The divestment is part of the Centre's broader push to expand India's maritime ecosystem. Supporting initiatives such as the Maritime Development Fund and various financial assistance schemes are further strengthening the sector. The move aligns with the long-term Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which targets significant growth in India's maritime industry by that year.

Landslides Kill 8 Rohingya Refugees, Including 5 Children, in Cox's Bazar Camps

At least eight Rohingya refugees, five of them children, lost their lives in landslides that struck refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The deadly slides were triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall battering the region. The incident highlights the recurring vulnerability of Rohingya settlements, which are typically built on unstable hillsides with limited infrastructure. Cox's Bazar hosts one of the world's largest refugee populations, making such weather events particularly dangerous for residents.

Landslide Hits Kozhikode-Wayanad Tunnel Project Site Near Meppady

A landslide struck the Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel construction site near Meppady in Kerala, triggered by heavy rainfall in the region. The incident adds to the ongoing series of landslide events that have been affecting Kerala, particularly in hilly and ecologically sensitive areas. Wayanad and its surrounding districts have repeatedly faced such disasters due to their steep terrain and high annual rainfall. The region's geography, characterised by the Western Ghats, makes it especially vulnerable to slope failures during the monsoon season.

Teen Footballer Nolan Wells Found Dead After Fourth of July Disappearance

Nolan Xavier Wells, a teenage footballer reported missing after Fourth of July celebrations, has been found dead near Horn Island. Wells had last been seen during a boat outing with friends before he disappeared. Search and rescue teams had conducted extensive operations across the island and nearby waters to locate him. His family, devastated by the loss, has requested privacy as they grieve. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Study Finds Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban Easy to Bypass with False Age

A new study has revealed a significant flaw in Australia's landmark social media ban for users under 16. Researchers found that major social media platforms rarely carry out proper age verification checks. This means underage users can easily circumvent the restrictions simply by entering a false date of birth. The findings raise serious questions about the effectiveness of Australia's pioneering legislation aimed at protecting minors online.

Qatari LNG Tanker Struck Near Strait of Hormuz, Stoking Gulf Security Fears

A Qatari liquefied natural gas carrier was hit by a projectile near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh alarm over maritime security in the region. The incident has prompted concerns about the reliability of energy supplies passing through one of the world's most critical shipping lanes. The attack comes at a sensitive time, threatening to strain the already fragile diplomatic process between the United States and Iran. Authorities and industry observers are closely monitoring the situation given the Strait of Hormuz's strategic importance to global oil and gas trade.

NEET-UG 2027 in 1,000 centres over 5-6 days, ‘top to bottom’ NTA revamp

Two Dead as Landslide Strikes Kerala's Wayanad Amid Heavy Rainfall

A deadly landslide claimed two lives in Kerala's Wayanad district following heavy rainfall in the region. The incident occurred near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, in close proximity to an active infrastructure project. The site lies near the ongoing Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel road construction, which is being built to connect Malappuram and Wayanad districts. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage caused by the landslide.

India Plans Mandatory LNG Buffer Storage at Import Terminals

India is considering a policy that would require LNG terminal operators to expand storage capacity at existing import facilities. The move comes after the Iran conflict exposed vulnerabilities in India's gas supply chain due to potential disruptions in LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Policymakers are evaluating the plan as part of a broader effort to create strategic gas reserves. The initiative reflects the government's intent to safeguard energy security against future geopolitical supply shocks.

India renews US lobbying contract with Trump aide Jason Miller’s firm

Trump May Reinstate Turkey in F-35 Programme After Years-Long Exclusion

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering allowing Turkey to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet programme. Turkey was originally removed from the programme after purchasing Russian air defense systems, a move that strained its ties with NATO allies. Israeli Prime Minister has raised objections to Turkey's potential reinstatement, expressing concerns over regional stability. The development comes as NATO leaders convene for a summit in Ankara, where defense spending and alliance security are expected to be key agenda items.

Man Confesses to Stealing Rs 19 Lakh from Ram Temple, Spent on Family and iPhone

A man named Avinash Shukla has confessed to stealing money from the Ram Temple, according to sources. The stolen amount is reported to be approximately Rs 19 lakh. Shukla allegedly spent the funds on himself, his family, and friends, with purchases reportedly including an iPhone for his girlfriend. The confession has shed light on the misappropriation of funds linked to the prominent religious site.

PM Modi and Indonesia Chart Ambitious Agenda to Deepen Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held high-level discussions with Indonesian leadership, describing the engagement as a defining moment in bilateral relations. Defence and maritime cooperation emerged as a central pillar of the talks between the two nations. Both sides agreed to broaden defence exchanges and enhance collaboration in disaster management. Industrial cooperation was also identified as a key area for joint development going forward.

US Citizenship Debate Resurfaces Amid Calls to Restrict Birthright Rights

A renewed debate over birthright citizenship has emerged in the United States, touching on deeply divisive questions about who qualifies as an American. Some voices in the debate have advocated extreme positions, including restrictions targeting foreign-born women. Commentators have linked the controversy to Donald Trump's political agenda, though analysts argue that explanation does not capture the full picture. The discussion reflects broader tensions around immigration policy and national identity in America. The debate raises fundamental constitutional and humanitarian questions that extend beyond any single political figure.

Centre Denies Reports of E-25 Petrol Launch, Says No Decision Taken

The Indian government has firmly dismissed circulating reports suggesting it plans to launch E-25 petrol in the country. Officials described the reports as completely false, clarifying that no such decision has been made. E-25 petrol refers to a fuel blend containing 25% ethanol mixed with conventional petrol. The government's statement came in response to media reports that had suggested an imminent policy shift toward higher ethanol-blended fuel.

Gujarat Court Confirms Death Penalty for 38 Convicts in 2008 Ahmedabad Serial Blasts

A Gujarat court has upheld the death sentences of 38 individuals convicted in connection with the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts. The attacks took place on July 26, 2008, when 21 bombs exploded across the city within a 70-minute window. The blasts claimed 56 lives and left around 200 people injured. The court's ruling reaffirms the punishment handed down to those found guilty of orchestrating one of India's deadliest urban terror attacks.

Delhi HC restores CJP's X handle, says Centre's concern over NEET chaos 'no longer relevant'

India Builds Missile Defence and Strike Capability Amid China-Russia Drills

China recently test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile during a joint military exercise with Russia, raising regional security concerns. In response to such threats, India is developing a layered Ballistic Missile Defence system in collaboration with Israel. India's Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully tested interceptors capable of engaging faster, longer-range missiles. The country is also advancing its fleet of indigenous nuclear-armed submarines intended for second-strike retaliatory capability. Further work is underway on next-generation interceptors designed to counter hypersonic missiles and those equipped with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles.

Speeding Truck Kills 3 Children From Same Family in Jaipur, Caught on Camera

A speeding truck ran over a family of five in Jaipur, with the incident captured on camera. Three children from the family died instantly at the scene, according to police. Two other family members sustained injuries in the collision. Authorities are investigating the incident following the fatal accident.