India

Balogun scores and gets sent off as USA beat Bosnia 2-0 to reach last 16

The United States advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Striker Folarin Balogun became only the fourth player in history to both score and receive a red card in a World Cup knockout match, joining the likes of Zidane and Ronaldinho in that unwanted record. Balogun was dismissed for an accidental foul, though the US side managed to hold their lead and secure the win despite playing with ten men. His suspension means he will be unavailable for the USA's next match against Belgium, posing a significant selection challenge for the coaching staff.

How SIM Swap Frauds Silently Drain Bank Accounts Before Victims Notice

SIM swap fraud is a growing cybercrime where attackers hijack a victim's mobile number without their knowledge. Once the SIM is swapped, the victim's phone loses network connectivity, displaying a 'No Service' signal. During this window, fraudsters intercept OTPs and authentication messages to access bank accounts. Victims typically remain unaware of the attack until they receive transaction alerts or find their accounts emptied. The brief loss of mobile service is often the only warning sign before significant financial damage is done.

Goa Cabinet Clears 'Mhajo Flat' Scheme to Settle Flat Ownership Disputes

The Goa cabinet has approved a new initiative called 'Mhajo Flat' aimed at resolving long-pending property ownership disputes faced by flat owners across the state. The scheme allows residents to form cooperative societies as a pathway to securing legal ownership of their homes. It is designed to help buyers in situations where builders are absent or conflicts exist with landowners. Participants can avail of the scheme by paying a minimal fee along with stamp duty. The move is also expected to encourage the redevelopment and upkeep of older residential properties.

Jharkhand HC reinstates peon fired for taking office tea and biscuits home

The Jharkhand High Court has ordered the reinstatement of a peon who was dismissed from service for taking tea and biscuits from his workplace. The court ruled the punishment as 'grossly disproportionate' to the nature of the offence. It also noted procedural lapses, including a vague show-cause notice and failure to properly consider the employee's response. The bench observed that imposing such a severe penalty on a low-wage worker reflected insensitivity. The court directed his re-employment along with partial payment of back wages.

US Lifts Export Restrictions on Anthropic's Advanced AI Models

The United States government has removed export restrictions on Anthropic's advanced artificial intelligence models. The decision resolves a standoff that had centered on both safety concerns and political considerations surrounding the technology. Access to the models has been granted, though on a limited basis for at least one of them. The move marks a significant policy shift in how the US regulates the international distribution of cutting-edge AI systems.

Shrapnel-hit oil tanker MT Sanmar Herald docks safely at Paradip Port

The MT Sanmar Herald, a crude oil tanker bound for India from Iraq, has safely arrived at Paradip Port in Odisha. The vessel sustained shrapnel damage to its bridge amid hostilities in the Middle East during its voyage. Despite the damage and significant delays, the ship successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz after it was reopened. The entire crew arrived unharmed, completing the journey without any casualties or loss of cargo.

Welcome to the Jungle nears Rs 90 crore in opening week despite slowing pace

Ahmed Khan's multi-starrer comedy Welcome to the Jungle is on track to surpass Rs 90 crore in domestic net collections by the end of its first week. The film, featuring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, collected Rs 6.15 crore on Day 6, bringing its total India net earnings past Rs 87 crore. The movie's worldwide gross has already crossed Rs 129 crore. However, the film faces fresh box office competition as Alia Bhatt-starrer Alpha is set to release on Friday.

Supreme Court warns against unchecked AI use in courts after NCLT cites fake cases

Sam Altman proposes 5% US government stake in OpenAI and rival AI firms

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has proposed granting the US government a 5% ownership stake in OpenAI, with similar stakes suggested for other major AI companies including Google and Meta. The proposal is aimed at reducing political friction between the AI industry and federal authorities. Altman also framed the initiative as a way to distribute the economic gains from AI more broadly across the public, drawing comparisons to Alaska's oil wealth fund. The suggestion comes as government scrutiny of AI's effects on employment and cybersecurity continues to intensify.

Manish Tewari hints at disappointment after being sidelined in Punjab Congress reshuffle

Congress MP Manish Tewari posted a cryptic message suggesting frustration after being passed over in Punjab's party committee restructuring. The All India Congress Committee announced new appointments to prepare for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Senior leaders including former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Vijay Inder Singla were among those given key roles. Tewari alluded to internal 'insecurities' blocking capable individuals within the party, while still acknowledging his long association with Congress. The reshuffle signals the party's early groundwork for reclaiming power in Punjab.

India’s first private orbital rocket Vikram 1 eyes ‘Mission Aagaman’ launch by August 4

Lie Detector Tests Ordered for Accused in Pune Fort Murder Case

Siya Goyal and her lover Chetan Chaudhary are set to undergo lie detector tests in connection with the murder of Ketan Agarwal in Pune. Agarwal, who was Goyal's fiancé, was allegedly pushed to his death from a cliff at Lohagad Fort. The two accused are currently in police custody, with their remand extended until July 3 as the investigation continues. Authorities are using the polygraph examination to gather further evidence in the case.

Bengaluru Daycare Staff Arrested for Child Abuse; Whistleblower Was Fired

Five nannies have been arrested following the emergence of disturbing videos allegedly showing child abuse at a daycare centre located on Capgemini's campus in Bengaluru. The footage reportedly depicts toddlers being subjected to severe mistreatment, including being placed inside a washing machine and locked in toilets. An employee who had earlier raised concerns about the abuse was allegedly dismissed from the facility. Bengaluru police are now reviewing the videos and other collected evidence as part of an ongoing investigation. Authorities have stated that all individuals found responsible will be held accountable.

Kashmir Mutton Shortage Hits Wedding Season Amid Punjab Transit Fee Dispute

Kashmir is facing a mutton shortage during peak wedding season due to a dispute over transit fees on Punjab highways. Mutton dealers allege that contractors operating on Punjab highways are charging a transit fee of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per truck carrying livestock. This additional cost has disrupted the supply chain of mutton into Kashmir. The timing is particularly problematic as demand for mutton surges significantly during the wedding season.

Pune Couple Rehearsed Cliff Push Before Killing Fiancé, Police Confirm

Pune police have confirmed that Siya Goyal and her lover Chetan Chaudhary conducted a rehearsal of their murder plan before carrying it out. The duo practiced pushing their target, Ketan, off a cliff at a hill in Pune's Lulla Nagar area. The rehearsal was a deliberate step taken to prepare for the actual killing of Siya's fiancé. Investigators uncovered the premeditated nature of the crime, revealing the calculated steps taken by the accused prior to the murder.

Seven Dead, Five Hurt After Boulder Collapse at Bengaluru Stone Quarry

A fatal accident occurred at a stone quarry in Bengaluru owned by Kaveri Company, resulting in seven deaths and five injuries. The incident happened while excavation work was actively underway at the site. A boulder collapsed during the operation, which was being carried out using an excavator at the top of the quarry. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and the safety conditions at the site.

Congress and BRS Clash Over Rs 1,143 Crore Gurukul School Tenders in Telangana

A political dispute has erupted in Telangana between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BRS over Gurukul school tenders valued at Rs 1,143 crore. Congress has issued a challenge to BRS regarding the procurement process surrounding these residential school contracts. The controversy also encompasses broader concerns about the state's financial debt. The face-off reflects ongoing tensions between the two parties since Congress came to power in Telangana.

Goyal Warns of China's Critical Minerals Dominance Posing Supply Chain Risks

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has flagged concerns over China's dominance in critical minerals as a potential threat to countries like India and Japan. Speaking to NDTV, Goyal recalled how China's border shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to global supply chains. He highlighted that dependence on a single nation for critical minerals poses serious strategic and economic vulnerabilities. His remarks underline growing international concern over China's outsized control over minerals essential to modern industries and defence.

Southwest Monsoon Reaches Delhi Five Days Late, Heavy Rain Expected Across Western India

The southwest monsoon arrived in Delhi on Thursday, five days behind its typical schedule, offering relief from prolonged heat. This is the first time since 2021 that Delhi has seen a July monsoon onset. The monsoon has now spread widely across northwest India, with heavy rainfall anticipated in Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat. Despite the delayed start in the capital, the monsoon is advancing rapidly and is on track to cover the entire country ahead of schedule.

Cisco to deploy personalized AI agents across its 90,000-strong workforce from August

Cisco announced plans to roll out personalized AI agents to all of its 90,000 employees beginning in August, marking a major step in enterprise-wide AI adoption. These agents are designed to handle routine tasks and automatically select the most efficient and cost-effective AI models. The company is simultaneously investing in employee upskilling to support the transition. Cisco has reported a significant surge in AI-related orders, viewing the technology as a key growth driver. However, the firm acknowledged that broad AI adoption comes with implementation challenges.