India

Argentina property bill protest: Police fire tear gas, water cannons at protesters

India, China agree to use diplomatic, military channels to avoid LAC misunderstandings

WhatsApp Trials Age Verification in India Before New Digital Law

WhatsApp has begun testing an optional age confirmation feature in India, ahead of the country's upcoming digital regulations. The move comes at a time of heightened tension between Meta and Indian authorities. The development follows a recent incident in which Meta publicly apologised for temporarily restricting a Facebook post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The age verification trial appears to be part of Meta's broader effort to align WhatsApp with India's evolving legal requirements.

Stray SpaceX Rocket Stage Confirmed to Have Crashed Into the Moon

Scientists have confirmed that a discarded SpaceX rocket stage unintentionally collided with the Moon. The impact posed no threat to Earth and is believed to have created a new crater on the lunar surface. Space agencies, including NASA, are hoping to locate and study the resulting crater. The incident highlights the growing concern around space debris and its unintended consequences beyond Earth's orbit.

UP Couple and Son Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for 2021 Murder

A court in Uttar Pradesh has sentenced a couple and their son to life imprisonment in connection with a 2021 murder case. The three were convicted based on prosecution arguments that they carried out a fatal attack on the victim. The accused allegedly used a spade and sticks as weapons during the assault. The attack is said to have stemmed from a long-standing family dispute between the parties involved.

Meta AI Chief Urges US Startups to Prioritize Government Over Chinese AI Labs

Meta's AI head has called on American startups to prioritize serving the US government rather than treating it as optional. The push comes amid growing concerns that Chinese companies are acquiring training data from American technology firms. Reports indicate that some US vendors are simultaneously fulfilling government contracts while also serving Chinese AI research laboratories. This dual engagement has raised national security alarms and is seen as a threat to American dominance in artificial intelligence.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Rejects All-Party Meet on Cauvery Water Dispute

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has turned down a demand by opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin for an all-party meeting over the Cauvery water dispute, including the Mekedatu Dam issue. Vijay asserted that his government would not compromise on the state's Cauvery water rights under any circumstances. He noted that Tamil Nadu's stance on the matter had already been formally communicated to the Prime Minister. The opposition raised concerns over water release, prompting the call for a broader political consultation. Vijay urged the opposition to refrain from politicizing what he described as a serious and sensitive water dispute.

Hyderabad Founder's Taxi Driver Hire Now Leads Procurement After a Decade

A Hyderabad-based founder hired a taxi driver with limited formal education as his very first employee. Believing in the individual's potential, the founder chose to invest in his growth over time. After approximately ten years with the company, the employee has risen to lead the procurement department. His role now covers operations across India, reflecting remarkable career advancement. The founder used this example to illustrate his belief that true workplace culture means recognizing and nurturing overlooked talent.

American student Tommy Cherry sets blindfolded Rubik's Cube world record at 11.56s

Tommy Cherry, a 21-year-old American student, has set a Guinness World Record by solving a 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube blindfolded in 11.56 seconds. He first picked up the hobby at age 11 and spent years honing his skills through disciplined practice and memory training. His dedication has earned him multiple records and recognition on a global stage. Cherry's achievement underscores how consistency, resilience, and continuous learning can lead to extraordinary results. He also serves as an inspiration to students, demonstrating that patience and commitment can turn a childhood pastime into world-class accomplishment.

Jharkhand Student Protest Enters Day 14 as Hunger Striker Hospitalised

A student participating in a hunger strike was hospitalised after their health deteriorated on the 14th day of ongoing protests in Jharkhand. Six students remain on strike, demanding the cancellation of the JPSC Civil Services recruitment exam. Student organisations have called for a march to the Jharkhand Assembly, which is currently in session. Opposition legislators brought up the matter inside the Assembly on Thursday. The movement, which began on July 25, has been steadily drawing wider attention and public support.

Rahul Gandhi hosts Instagram AMA session, addresses education and youth issues

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held an 'Ask Me Anything' session on Instagram aimed at young people. He addressed the ongoing student protest in Jharkhand and shared his views on India's education system. Gandhi stressed that governments have a responsibility to listen to and act on student concerns. He also spoke about the importance of supporting young women across all areas of life. The session saw Gandhi engaging with Generation Z on a range of social and political topics.

1587 Sneakers Disputes Mahomes and Kelce's Steakhouse Branding Claims in Court

Sneaker company 1587 Sneakers has pushed back against claims made by NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce regarding their alleged control over a steakhouse venture. The company argues that the two Kansas City Chiefs players have actively played a role in promoting the restaurant. At the heart of the dispute is whether the steakhouse's branding — which incorporates the players' jersey numbers — creates consumer confusion with 1587 Sneakers' own established brand identity. The case raises questions about how the same numerical reference carries different historical significance for each party involved.

Wels Catfish Introduced in 1974 Now Threaten Spain's Ebro River Ecosystem

A single introduction of Wels catfish into Spain's Ebro River by German biologist Roland Lorkowsky in 1974 has led to a major ecological crisis decades later. The species has established itself as a dominant predator in the river, putting native wildlife under serious threat. Their large size and aggressive feeding habits make population control extremely difficult for conservationists. Climate change is expected to further enable the species to spread across European waterways. Experts now consider the complete eradication of Wels catfish from the region to be virtually impossible.

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.