India

Maharashtra introduces framework to ease redevelopment of Pagdi system buildings

Maharashtra's Pagdi system grants tenants long-term occupancy rights through a one-time premium and minimal ongoing rent, while landlords retain legal ownership. Tenants under this arrangement are strongly protected by the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999. Redeveloping older properties governed by this system has historically been difficult, frequently hampered by disputes between landlords and tenants. To address these challenges, the state government has introduced a new policy framework designed to simplify the redevelopment process. The framework includes special Floor Space Index incentives and improved dispute resolution mechanisms to accelerate stalled projects.

India Navy Embraces Drones and Underwater Vehicles in Maritime Modernisation Push

India's Navy is advancing its maritime capabilities by seeking tactical multi-copter surveillance drones and pursuing approval for shipborne unmanned aerial systems. The service is also developing indigenous underwater unmanned vehicles as part of a broader modernisation effort. These moves align with global trends, as major naval powers including the United States and United Kingdom are similarly integrating unmanned systems into their fleets. The shift signals a future where autonomous platforms play a central role in naval combat, reducing human risk while enhancing operational effectiveness.

Ukraine launches massive 400-drone assault on Russia, hitting Moscow and St. Petersburg

Ukraine deployed nearly 400 drones targeting over a dozen Russian regions starting Friday evening, including strikes on Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The large-scale drone offensive also reportedly hit Solovyovka, the hometown of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The attacks came in apparent retaliation for a Russian strike on Kyiv earlier this week that killed 30 people. Russia acknowledged the scale of the drone assault across its territory, while Ukraine dismissed Russian claims of seizing a key town as a lie.

Aamir Khan to Wed Gauri Spratt on July 5 in Private Pali Hill Ceremony

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is set to marry Gauri Spratt on July 5 in an intimate ceremony at his Pali Hill residence in Mumbai. The couple will officially register their union under the Special Marriage Act, after which a private lunch will be held for close family and friends. Aamir's home has already been decorated with fairy lights ahead of the occasion. The two reconnected after a gap of 25 years, and this will be Aamir's third marriage.

The empire of doubt, ally of convenience: America at 250, seen from India

Chandrima Bhattacharya quits TMC posts, cites lost confidence from Mamata Banerjee

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Chandrima Bhattacharya has resigned from all her party positions following a breakdown in her relationship with TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. Bhattacharya stated that a phone call from Banerjee, in which she was blamed for a rebel faction's takeover of the party office, made it difficult for her to continue. She firmly denied allegations of disloyalty, clarifying that her departure was driven by a loss of confidence from the party leadership. Her exit comes amid an ongoing internal crisis within the TMC and in the wake of a significant electoral setback for the party.

Experts Call for Stricter Laws After Meta Child Safety Concerns

Child safety experts have raised alarms over significant gaps in existing regulations that leave minors vulnerable to exploitation on social media platforms. The concerns come amid growing scrutiny of Meta over its handling of child safety on its platforms. Experts are urging stronger enforcement of current laws rather than relying on voluntary measures by tech companies. They are also calling for enhanced accountability mechanisms to ensure social media firms take greater responsibility for protecting younger users.

Dozens of plastic piggy banks wash ashore on Texas beaches, puzzling experts

Nearly 60 colorful plastic piggy banks have appeared on Texas beaches over the past year, surprising locals and researchers alike. The containers are believed to have originated from countries such as the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. While many initially suspected a cargo spill, experts think the piggy banks likely entered waterways after being discarded and gradually drifted to the Texas coast. Despite widespread curiosity about their contents, the piggy banks were found to contain only sand dollars.

Antarctica Sea Ice Loss Signals Faster Global Warming, New Study Warns

New research has revealed that Antarctica plays a far greater role in global warming than scientists previously understood. The study found a stronger connection between Antarctic sea ice, cloud cover, and Earth's heat absorption, suggesting the planet is more sensitive to greenhouse gas emissions than earlier estimates indicated. The loss of approximately 2 million square kilometres of Antarctic sea ice has raised alarm among climate scientists. These findings point to the possibility of accelerated warming and more severe climate impacts worldwide. Researchers are calling for urgent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to limit these risks.

Messi criticises Argentina after nervy Cape Verde win secures last-16 spot

Argentina defeated Cape Verde in a round-of-32 World Cup match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday. The result secured Argentina's place in the last 16 for the sixth consecutive World Cup. However, the victory was far from convincing, prompting star player Lionel Messi to openly criticise the team's performance. Messi acknowledged that Argentina lost control of the ball and became too passive during the match, reflecting his frustration with the side's display.

Physicists find Van Gogh's Starry Night accurately mirrors turbulence mathematics

Scientists analyzing Vincent van Gogh's iconic painting 'The Starry Night' have discovered that its swirling patterns closely match statistical models of turbulence. Turbulence is a complex natural phenomenon governing fluid motion that took scientists decades to describe mathematically. The finding suggests Van Gogh intuitively captured the visual essence of this phenomenon through careful observation alone. Remarkably, the artist achieved this more than a century before physicists developed the mathematical tools to formally model such fluid dynamics.

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Alleges Bias in Demolitions, Raises SIR Concerns

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has alleged that recent demolitions have been carried out with a biased and motivated approach. The organization raised concerns linking the demolitions to the Special Investigation Register (SIR) process. The group suggested that the actions disproportionately target a particular community. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has called attention to what it describes as a pattern of discrimination in these actions.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's cryptic post fuels India T20I debut speculation vs England

Fifteen-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has sparked widespread speculation about a potential India senior debut in the second T20I against England. The buzz intensified after Sooryavanshi posted a cryptic 'New chapter' message on Instagram, which fans interpreted as a hint at an upcoming national call-up. The teenager impressed during IPL 2026 with standout performances and has also drawn attention with strong showings in net sessions. Despite his fearless batting approach and growing reputation, Sooryavanshi is yet to earn his first senior international cap. Fans and cricket followers are now eagerly awaiting the team announcement ahead of Saturday's match.

Retired Teacher Finds Strength in Grief, Inspires Thousands on Social Media

Sunita Choudhary, a retired teacher, endured significant personal hardships, including inadequate support during childbirth and her husband's prolonged battle with cancer that ended in his death. The losses left her in financial and emotional turmoil. She turned to social media to share her experiences, and her videos quickly went viral. The response helped her build a supportive online community around her story. Her openness has since inspired thousands of others dealing with their own personal struggles.

Indian Real Estate Draws $2.9 Billion in Q2 2026, Hitting Six-Year Investment High

Indian real estate attracted $2.9 billion in institutional investments during the second quarter of 2026, representing a 70% rise compared to the same period the previous year. This marks the highest investment level the sector has seen in six years. Both domestic and foreign investors showed strong interest, with office and mixed-use properties emerging as the most favoured asset classes. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) made a standout commitment of $675 million, highlighting sustained global confidence in the Indian market. The surge signals the sector's resilience despite broader global economic uncertainties.

PM Modi credits ‘jalwa’ of India’s diplomacy for beating West Asia fuel crisis – ‘history will record it’

Congress Seeks Fresh Start at Akal Takht but Leadership Unity Remains Elusive

The Indian National Congress recently engaged with the Akal Takht in what has been described as a significant political and religious outreach. While the party's leadership appears to have secured a formal organisational understanding, observers note it falls short of a definitive historical resolution. The arrangement is seen more as a procedural accommodation than a genuine reconciliation with the Sikh community's longstanding grievances. Analysts argue the true test lies in whether Congress can translate this agreement into cohesive and collective leadership on the ground. The development marks a new chapter for the party, but critical questions about its sincerity and implementation remain unanswered.

Pakistan Crypto Dispute Linked to Alleged Kidnapping and Gang Rape of Foreign Women

Two foreign women were allegedly kidnapped and gang raped in Pakistan amid a cryptocurrency dispute. One victim has accused Raza Dar, a relative of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, of demanding $100,000 for their release. Investigators believe the women may have been lured to Pakistan under the pretense of a $1.5 million crypto deal. Authorities are examining whether the abduction was staged to appear legitimate as part of the scheme.

AI and Digital Careers Challenge India's Engineering and Medicine Aspirations

For decades, engineering and medicine have dominated middle-class career ambitions in India, representing stability and social prestige. However, the country's professional landscape is undergoing a significant shift driven by rapid technological advancement. The growing influence of artificial intelligence and the broader digital economy is reshaping what employers value, with adaptability and modern skills now taking priority over conventional qualifications. Emerging fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing are increasingly seen as lucrative and respectable career paths. This evolution signals a broader redefinition of professional success among Indian youth.

Modi Inaugurates HPCL Rajasthan Refinery to Reduce India's Oil Import Dependence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery, marking a significant milestone in India's push for energy self-reliance. The development comes in the wake of disruptions to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. The refinery is part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce vulnerability to international supply shocks. Alongside other development projects, the initiative is expected to boost exports and improve India's long-term energy resilience. The move reflects India's wider commitment to securing its energy future and safeguarding the interests of its citizens.