India

The right to walk: After Supreme Court judgement, who will reclaim our footpaths?

Meta Summoned by India Over Child Abuse Ad Amplification, Vows Zero Tolerance

The Indian government summoned Meta after reports emerged of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) being algorithmically amplified on its platforms. Authorities demanded immediate corrective action to address the spread of such harmful content. Meta responded to NDTV stating it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward child exploitation material. The company indicated it has systems in place to detect and remove such content but did not provide specific details on the algorithmic concerns raised.

Why China wanted to build the 'sky river' across the Tibetan Plateau

Indian Box Office Crosses Rs 6,300 Crore in First Half of 2026

The Indian film industry has recorded over Rs 6,300 crore in box office collections during the first half of 2026, marking a notable recovery compared to the previous year. Big-budget films such as 'Dhurandhar' were among the key drivers of this growth. Mid-budget productions have also regained traction, reflecting broader audience engagement across segments. Industry analysts believe the second half of 2026 could surpass these figures, with high-profile releases like 'Ramayana' and 'King' on the horizon. The strong performance signals a sustained return to health for the Indian cinema sector.

TMC MP Kirti Azad objects to Durex ad aired during India-England T20I

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad has raised concerns over the broadcast of a Durex advertisement during the India-England T20I cricket match. He argued that the ad was inappropriate given the large number of children watching the game. Azad questioned why the BCCI permitted such content when advertisements for alcohol and cigarettes are already prohibited in similar broadcasts. He also noted the discomfort the ad caused to families viewing the match together. The MP warned that he would take up the matter in Parliament if the issue is not addressed.

Gurnoor Brar's 10-wicket haul seals India A series win over Sri Lanka A

India A defeated Sri Lanka A by 10 wickets in the second unofficial Test to clinch the series 1-0. Left-arm spinner Gurnoor Brar was the standout performer, claiming a 10-wicket match haul that proved decisive. Sai Sudharsan also made a significant contribution with a commanding 168 runs in India A's first innings. The series win comes ahead of India's official Test tour to Sri Lanka scheduled for next month. Several players used the games as an opportunity to press their case for selection in the senior squad.

Pakistan sack Shan Masood as Test captain after four wins in 16 matches

Pakistan's selectors have removed Shan Masood as Test captain, citing poor results and unsatisfactory leadership decisions. Chief selector Javed stated the team needed a captain capable of delivering better outcomes for the side. Masood managed only four victories in 16 Tests during his tenure at the helm. While selectors acknowledged his strong personal batting performances, they felt his captaincy failed to produce the desired team results. The announcement was made by selectors speaking to reporters in Lahore.

Deutsche Bank warns US debt poses biggest threat to its economic dominance

Deutsche Bank has identified America's growing national debt as the foremost risk to its global economic leadership, outweighing threats from rival nations. The bank highlighted that persistent fiscal deficits and rising interest payments are steadily weakening a critical financial advantage the US has long held. Among the most pressing concerns are the potential depletion of Social Security and Medicare funds in the near future. Successive administrations will face mounting pressure to address these fiscal challenges before they cause lasting damage to the country's economic standing.

Brahmapur-Udhna Amrit Bharat Express to run daily: Train number, route, stops, time table

Bethell praises 15-year-old Sooryavanshi after India's youngest T20I debut

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became India's youngest T20I debutant at just 15 years old in a recent match against England. Despite scoring only 14 runs, the teenage batter drew praise from England's Jacob Bethell, who had previously watched him play in India. Bethell himself was the standout performer, hitting an unbeaten 76 to steer England to victory. Sooryavanshi's debut, even in a losing cause, sparked considerable excitement about his potential at the international level.

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma's Motivational Chat With Student Goes Viral

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma recently had a heartwarming interaction with a student that drew widespread appreciation. The exchange occurred at Pine Mount School during an official inauguration event. The event marked the launch of the Meghalaya Teacher Training Academy, the She Thrives initiative, and a new boarding facility. Sangma's encouraging message to the student, urging self-belief, resonated widely with the public.

Why Gwadar, Pakistan's Chinese-Backed Port City, Faces Recurring Militant Attacks

Gwadar, a strategic port city in Pakistan's Balochistan province, has repeatedly come under militant attacks despite being a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The port holds enormous geopolitical and economic significance for both Beijing and Islamabad, making it a high-profile target for insurgent groups. Baloch separatist militants have long opposed the project, arguing that local communities are excluded from its economic benefits. For ordinary residents of Gwadar, the persistent threat of violence disrupts daily life, including basic activities like sending children to school. The attacks reflect a deeper conflict between state-driven development ambitions and the grievances of the local Baloch population.

China Passes Ethnic Unity Law Amid Fears of Overseas Crackdown

China has enacted a new ethnic unity law aimed at forging a unified national identity under President Xi Jinping. The legislation formally codifies Xi's longstanding push to promote the concept of a single 'Chinese nation' across diverse ethnic groups. Critics and observers have raised concerns that the law could be used to extend political pressure beyond China's borders, targeting overseas Chinese communities. The move is seen as part of a broader effort by Beijing to consolidate ideological and cultural conformity both domestically and internationally.

11-year-old girl raped and murdered in West Bengal, one detained

An 11-year-old girl who went missing on Saturday was found dead inside a sack on Sunday morning in Baruipur, West Bengal. Her body was discovered at Surjyapur Haat, triggering public outrage in the area. Residents responded by blocking roads and demanding swift justice from authorities. Police have detained one person for questioning and have promised a thorough investigation. The victim's family alleges that four individuals were involved in abducting the child before her death.

TCS earnings, Fed minutes, crude oil to steer Indian markets this week

Indian stock markets are entering a crucial week driven by multiple domestic and global factors. IT major TCS will kick off the June-quarter earnings season on July 9, with investors closely watching its results and management outlook on demand and artificial intelligence. Global cues, including the release of US Federal Reserve minutes and crude oil price movements, are expected to influence overall market sentiment. Domestic monsoon progress will also be monitored as a key indicator for the economy. Foreign institutional investor activity remains an additional factor that could sway market direction in the days ahead.

Rockets vs Missiles: Key Differences That Define Modern Warfare

Rockets and missiles are often confused but serve distinct roles in modern warfare. Rockets have ancient origins and are designed for high-volume, cost-effective firepower to saturate large areas. Missiles, which evolved from Germany's WWII-era V-2 rocket, use sophisticated guidance systems to strike specific targets with precision. While advances in guided rocket technology have blurred the line between the two, true missiles are distinguished by their complex targeting capabilities. Both weapons remain essential and complementary tools on the contemporary battlefield.

Newlywed woman, lover arrested for husband's murder in Rewari canal case

A 21-year-old man named Monu was found dead in a canal in Rewari, Haryana. Police allege his wife Tannu and her associate Hariom conspired to kill him due to her extramarital relationship. Monu was reportedly lured to a village before being thrown into the canal. Tannu and Hariom have since been arrested by authorities. Investigations remain ongoing to locate additional suspects and establish the exact cause of death.

Ford Worker Fired Over $1.95 Cookie After Kiosk Glitch, Later Reinstated

Ford employee Kurt Kromm was terminated after a self-service payment kiosk at his plant failed to register a $1.95 cookie purchase. Security footage appeared to show an incomplete transaction, but Kromm maintained he had paid using a second machine. After submitting bank records to support his claim, Ford reversed its decision and offered him reinstatement. Kromm declined to return to work despite being cleared. Ford has since acknowledged that such kiosk-related incidents may have been mishandled at the facility.

How salaried employees can reduce tax liability by claiming HRA exemption

Salaried individuals who pay rent and receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) as part of their compensation can lower their taxable income under the old tax regime. The HRA exemption is not available to those who have opted for the new tax regime. The exemption amount is determined by three factors: the actual HRA received, the rent paid minus 10% of basic salary, and a fixed percentage of salary based on the city of residence. Only the lowest of these three calculated values qualifies as the tax-exempt portion. Employees must ensure they are actively paying rent and receiving HRA in their salary structure to be eligible for this benefit.

Egypt inaugurates 'The Octagon', a vast 22,000-acre military headquarters

Egypt officially unveiled a major new military facility called 'The Octagon' on July 4. The sprawling 22,000-acre complex is designed to consolidate the country's defense operations under one roof. It integrates advanced command, logistics, and emergency management systems supported by C4I and artificial intelligence technology. The headquarters is intended to strengthen Egypt's strategic decision-making and address regional security challenges. The scale and function of the facility have drawn comparisons to the United States' Pentagon.