India

Australia may risk Ellyse Perry's fitness for T20 World Cup final

Ellyse Perry retired hurt during Australia's T20 World Cup semi-final victory over West Indies at The Oval, reporting minor quad discomfort. She left the field after facing just seven balls, with team management describing the move as precautionary given Australia's strong position in the match. Australian team officials are now weighing how much risk they are willing to take with Perry's fitness ahead of the final. The decision on her participation will hinge on the severity of the quad issue and her recovery in the coming days.

India questions Telegram and Signal over username features amid fraud concerns

Indian authorities have expanded their scrutiny of messaging platforms by questioning both Telegram and Signal about their username functionalities. The move follows earlier discussions with WhatsApp over growing concerns around online fraud and impersonation. The government is seeking to understand how these apps handle user safety and ensure traceability of accounts. In response, Telegram has already begun clarifying how its username feature currently operates to Indian officials.

India Railways Battles Rising Threats From Stone-Pelting to Track Sabotage

India's railway network is facing an increasing number of security threats, including stone-pelting, track sabotage, and the use of improvised explosive devices. These incidents are being driven by a mix of mischief, personal grievances, and criminal activity, putting significant pressure on the rail security system. Premium trains have suffered considerable damage as a result of these attacks. In response, authorities are deploying advanced surveillance tools such as drones and solar-powered cameras to monitor vulnerable stretches. Community outreach efforts are also being undertaken alongside these technological measures to strengthen passenger safety.

Viral theory claims Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce share identical mannerisms

A viral post on X has sparked a lighthearted fan theory suggesting that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are essentially the same person. A user compiled a video highlighting strikingly similar gestures between the celebrity couple, including the way they clap, wave, dance, and pose for photos. The post led fans to dub the pair 'The Siamese Twins.' While purely playful in nature, experts point out that couples often unconsciously mirror each other's habits over time due to shared experiences and a tendency toward behavioral similarity.

PoK Leader Accuses Pakistan Army of Arming Kashmiris, Then Labeling Them Terrorists

Sardar Aman Khan, leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has made a pointed accusation against the Pakistani military. He claimed that it was the Pakistan Army itself that originally provided weapons to Kashmiris in the region. Khan criticized the military for now branding those same individuals as terrorists. The statement highlights growing tensions and resentment among local leaders toward Pakistan's military establishment in PoK.

India and Japan Share Democratic Values, Aim to Deepen Economic Ties

Indian envoy Nagma Mallick has described India and Japan as vibrant democracies bound by shared values. She made the remarks in the context of bilateral engagements between the two nations. Mallick emphasized that both sides intend to hold discussions aimed at strengthening their economic partnership. The envoy stressed that the goal of these talks would be to achieve mutual benefit for both countries.

EC asks rival TMC factions to submit legitimacy claims by July 6

The Election Commission of India has directed competing Trinamool Congress factions to file their respective claims over party signatory rights and organizational elections by July 6. The directive follows a hearing in which rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee argued that his group constitutes the genuine TMC, citing support from a number of MLAs. The faction led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has pushed back, questioning the propriety of the EC granting the rebel group an audience. The Mamata camp alleged procedural violations and accused the rebels of benefiting from political influence in securing the meeting.

Two electrocution deaths in Thane district raise negligence concerns against Torrent Power

A 17-year-old girl died from electric shock in a waterlogged area outside her home in Mumbra, Thane. Her father claims Torrent Power had previously been alerted to voltage problems in the area but failed to act. In a separate incident in Bhiwandi, a sweet shop worker was fatally electrocuted by a live wire near a temple. Residents protested, alleging negligence and attempts to conceal the faulty wiring. Authorities have registered cases and investigations are currently underway into both deaths.

Hamas, Hezbollah & Houthis: Low-profile guest list for Khamenei's funeral revealed

Experts Warn of Growing Chinese Influence in Indo-Pacific, Urge Stronger India-Japan Ties

India's former Ambassador to Japan, Sujan R Chinoy, spoke with NDTV about China's expanding presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Chinoy acknowledged China's significant economic standing as a global power while noting its military capabilities have not yet reached the same level. The discussion highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening ties between India and Japan in response to shifting regional dynamics. Experts emphasized that closer India-Japan cooperation could serve as a counterbalance to growing Chinese influence in the region.

Vijay’s party welcomes 4 ex-ministers, several ex-MLAs as exodus from AIADMK continues

When chemistry beats caste: A quiet revolt is rewriting the oldest rule of arranged marriage

Why Kashmir’s mutton shortage cuts deeper than the dinner table

Strategic stockpiling to AI ecosystem, the India-Japan roadmap’s out

Mumbai Local Trains to Get Panic Buttons and Facial Recognition Cameras

Mumbai's railway authorities are planning significant security upgrades for local trains following a stabbing incident. Key proposals include installing panic buttons across the network to allow passengers to quickly alert authorities in emergencies. Conventional CCTV systems at major railway stations are set to be replaced with facial recognition-enabled surveillance cameras. These measures are aimed at improving passenger safety and enabling faster identification of suspects on the city's busy rail network.

Delhi Monsoon Onset Raises Health Risks; Doctors Issue Precautionary Advice

Delhi has abruptly transitioned from extreme heat to monsoon rains, prompting health warnings from medical professionals. Doctors caution that the sudden weather shift is driving a rise in viral infections and respiratory problems aggravated by high humidity. The onset of rains also elevates the risk of mosquito-borne and water-borne illnesses such as dengue and typhoid. Children and elderly residents are considered especially vulnerable during this period. Health experts recommend staying hydrated, practising good hygiene, and removing stagnant water to reduce disease risk.

New EPF Scheme 2026 Caps Mandatory Contributions at Rs 15,000 Monthly Wage

The Labour and Employment Ministry has notified the new Employees' Provident Funds Scheme 2026, effective from Monday. Under the revised framework, mandatory provident fund contributions for both employees and employers will be capped based on a monthly wage limit of Rs 15,000. This means the minimum required contribution is tied to Rs 1,800 per month, which is 12% of the Rs 15,000 wage ceiling. Any provident fund contribution beyond this threshold will be treated as voluntary for both parties.

NHL Stars' Jason Robertson Draws Interest From Penguins, Rangers Amid Contract Talks

Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson is currently in contract negotiations with the team, with arbitration remaining a genuine possibility. The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers have reportedly shown interest in Robertson amid the ongoing uncertainty over his future. Robertson is considered one of the NHL's premier offensive talents and is tied to a contract valued at approximately $120 million. The Stars are actively working to retain him before the start of the 2026-27 season. No trade or agreement has been finalized as negotiations continue.

Germany unveils sweeping economic reforms under Chancellor Merz

The German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has launched a comprehensive economic reform package aimed at strengthening the country's financial outlook. The plan introduces significant tax cuts targeted at families to ease their financial burden. Pension system changes are also included, with the retirement age set to be raised under the new framework. Additionally, the reforms overhaul sick leave policies, making a doctor's note mandatory from the very first day of absence. The initiative represents one of the most wide-ranging workplace and economic shake-ups seen in Germany in recent years.

'US spends $999bn, others much lower': Trump blasts Nato; how true is his claim?