India

WhatsApp Orders, UPI Payments, Speed Post: Drug Gang's Doorstep Delivery Racket Busted

A drug trafficking gang was dismantled after investigators uncovered a sophisticated home-delivery operation for ganja. The gang accepted customer orders via WhatsApp and other social media platforms, making the process discreet and accessible. Payments were collected through multiple UPI accounts to avoid easy financial tracing. The syndicate dispatched between eight and ten Speed Post parcels every day to deliver the contraband to buyers.

8th Pay Commission: What We Know About the Rs 69,000 Basic Pay Demand

The 8th Pay Commission is currently under discussion, with speculation around a significant hike in basic pay for central government employees. A figure of Rs 69,000 as the revised basic pay has been circulating widely, up from the current Rs 18,000. However, this number originates from a demand raised by employee unions and is not an official proposal put forward by the commission. No formal recommendation regarding this figure has been made or confirmed by the government so far.

Palo Alto Networks CEO Flags AI Skills Gap, Backs Reskilling Over Mass Layoffs

Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora has warned that roughly 90% of employees currently lack sufficient AI fluency, describing the moment as a 'Darwinian' shift in the workforce. Despite acknowledging the gap, Arora has spoken out against mass layoffs as a response to AI adoption. Instead, he advocates for continuous learning, specialized hiring, and using natural attrition to build an AI-ready team. This approach contrasts with other companies that have opted for large-scale job cuts to accelerate their AI transitions. Arora's stance positions Palo Alto Networks as favoring workforce development over workforce reduction in the AI era.

US warned Iran of alleged Israeli plot to assassinate top nuclear negotiators

US officials privately alerted Iran that Israel may have been planning to assassinate senior Iranian figures, including Foreign Minister Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf. The warnings were issued during an active period of diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran. Washington feared that such targeted killings could collapse ongoing peace talks and trigger a broader escalation of conflict. The US urged Israel not to target Iran's political leadership, signaling a clear preference for diplomacy over confrontation. The episode underscores deepening differences between the US and Israel over how to handle Iran's nuclear ambitions.

US Intervened to Protect Iranian Negotiators Targeted by Israel

Israel had planned to assassinate senior Iranian officials involved in nuclear negotiations with the United States. The targeted individuals were Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf, both central figures in ongoing diplomatic talks. The two officials had been engaged in regional negotiations aimed at establishing a framework agreement with the US. The proposed deal sought to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and lay groundwork for further discussions on Iran's nuclear program. US intervention reportedly prevented Israel from carrying out the strikes against the negotiators.

FIFA Confirms VAR Correctly Disallowed Croatia's Late Goal Against Portugal

FIFA has officially confirmed that Croatia's 103rd-minute equaliser against Portugal was correctly ruled out during their recent match. Connected Ball Technology detected a slight touch by Igor Matanovic on the ball before it reached Mario Pasalic, who was in an offside position. The ruling was supported by data from the match ball's IMU sensor, which provided precise tracking of the ball's movement. As a result, the disallowed goal stood and Portugal secured a 2-1 victory to advance.

Trump Slams NATO Allies Over Defense Spending, Signals Reduced US Commitment

Former US President Donald Trump publicly criticised European NATO members, calling the alliance's relationship with the United States 'ridiculous' and one-sided. His remarks focused on what he described as insufficient defense spending by European allies. Trump's comments come as Washington is reportedly moving to scale back its long-term commitments to the NATO alliance. The statements reflect ongoing tensions between the US and its European partners over burden-sharing within the military bloc.

26-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Hyderabad Hotel, Boyfriend Detained for Questioning

A 26-year-old club dancer named Renuka was found dead by hanging in a Hyderabad hotel room on Thursday night. She had checked into the hotel along with her boyfriend, Farukh, with whom she had been in a relationship for six months. Renuka, who had a child and was separated from her husband, was reportedly in contact with a close friend before her death. Farukh, who is married with children, has been taken into custody as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

Adani Enterprises raises QIP size to Rs 15,000 crore on strong investor demand

Adani Enterprises has increased the size of its Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 15,000 crore. The expansion was driven by robust demand from institutional investors. A QIP is a capital-raising tool that allows listed companies to issue shares to institutional buyers without a public offering. The move signals strong market confidence in the Adani Group's flagship firm.

Indian sailor's body returned from Venezuela missing internal organs, embassy demands probe

The Indian Embassy in Venezuela has called for a full investigation after the body of Indian sailor Rakesh Chauhan was repatriated without internal organs. Chauhan's family alleges he died under suspicious circumstances aboard a Venezuelan vessel. A second post-mortem conducted in India confirmed that his body had been completely stripped of internal organs. The Forward Seamen's Union of India has also demanded answers and flagged irregularities in the repatriation documents.

Russia warns Apple of $51.6 million fine over default iPhone setup apps

Japanese PM tries her hand at santoor during India visit, earns applause: Watch

Andhra Warden Carries Sick Student Through Forest to Reach Hospital

A warden at a tribal welfare school in Andhra Pradesh carried a seriously ill student on her back through forested terrain to seek urgent medical attention. The school lacked proper road access, making conventional transport impossible. The warden's swift action ensured the student received timely medical care. The incident has drawn attention to the poor infrastructure challenges faced by tribal welfare institutions in remote areas.

Gold Rate Today, July 3: Check 18, 22 and 24 carat gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other cities

Strong El Niño on the way? UN warns of extreme weather risk from July-September

Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Instant Noodles Hits 106 People Across Europe

A Salmonella outbreak linked to flavored instant noodles has sickened 106 people across 13 EU member states and the United Kingdom. Nearly half of those affected have required hospitalization, raising concern among European health authorities. Investigators have identified the Salmonella Stanley strain and suspect a single Ukrainian manufacturer as the source. The contaminated products, including chicken and hot chicken flavored noodles, are believed to have entered the market via Poland. Product recalls are in progress, though officials caution that the risk remains elevated due to the long shelf life of the noodles.

Venezuelan man rescued after 8 days trapped under earthquake rubble

Security guard Hernan Alberto Gil Flores survived eight days buried under debris following twin earthquakes in Venezuela. Rescue teams, including international responders, worked for over 100 hours tunneling through rubble to reach him. Throughout the ordeal, rescuers maintained communication with Gil Flores and provided him with food and water to sustain him. He was successfully pulled out alive, leading to an emotional reunion with his family. His rescue offered a rare moment of hope to a nation grappling with the widespread devastation caused by the earthquakes.

FIFA WC 2026 Round of 16 Set: Portugal Face Spain in Blockbuster Clash

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached the Round of 16 stage, with several high-profile matchups now confirmed. Portugal secured their spot with a narrow 2-1 victory over Croatia, with Cristiano Ronaldo converting a penalty to seal the win. They will now face fierce rivals Spain in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the knockout round. Other confirmed ties include Canada versus Morocco, Brazil versus Norway, and England taking on Mexico. All competing nations are battling for a place in the quarterfinals as the tournament intensifies.

Iran General Ahmad Vahidi Resurfaces as Tehran Holds Khamenei's Funeral

Iranian General Ahmad Vahidi has emerged from hiding after several weeks, reappearing publicly in Tehran. His return coincides with the start of a multi-day state funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Vahidi joined other members of Iran's leadership at the funeral proceedings. The timing of his reappearance alongside such a significant national event has drawn notable attention.

PM Modi Urges Amarnath Pilgrims to Prioritize Nation and Maintain Yatra's Sanctity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra, urging them to keep the pilgrimage clean and place the nation first. The letter acknowledged the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders in facilitating the annual religious journey. Modi specifically praised the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board for its organizational role in managing the yatra. The Jammu and Kashmir administration and security agencies were also recognized for ensuring the pilgrimage proceeds smoothly and safely.