India

Iran Plans Tightly Controlled Funeral for Khamenei to Avoid Past Crowd Disasters

Iran is carefully preparing for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral, determined to prevent the deadly crowd crushes that occurred at previous high-profile burials. The chaotic funerals of Ayatollah Khomeini and General Qasem Soleimani have served as cautionary lessons for current planners. Authorities are implementing extensive security measures, which may include helicopter deployment and coordination with neighboring Iraq. The overarching goal is for Khamenei's final rites to project an image of state order and control rather than repeat past tragedies.

World's Largest Digital Camera Begins Mapping Billions of Stars and Galaxies

The world's largest digital camera has been used to capture previously unseen regions of the universe. The powerful instrument is designed to photograph billions of stars within the Milky Way as well as billions of galaxies beyond it. Researchers aim to use the observations to build a more comprehensive census of the universe. The project represents a significant step forward in humanity's ability to survey and understand the cosmos at an unprecedented scale.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement Expected to Take Effect by Early 2027

India and the European Union are on track to finalize a long-pending free trade agreement, with implementation expected by early 2027, according to the EU's ambassador. The deal has been in negotiation intermittently for nearly two decades, making its potential conclusion a significant diplomatic milestone. The EU envoy pushed back against suggestions that recent global tariff disruptions were the primary driver behind the renewed momentum. Instead, the ambassador indicated that the progress reflects sustained diplomatic engagement rather than external pressure from trade tensions.

RG Kar victim's mother vows all culprits will be identified and punished

The mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, alongside BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, has claimed she knows the identities of those responsible for her daughter's death. She stated that all individuals involved, including those who allegedly concealed evidence, will face justice. Her remarks come after the Calcutta High Court ordered the formation of a new Special Investigation Team. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the previous investigation into the case.

Shah Rukh Khan unveils LA Knight Riders Cricket Ground ahead of 2028 Olympics

Bollywood star and franchise co-owner Shah Rukh Khan officially unveiled the LA Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, California. The stadium is set to host Major League Cricket matches and is positioned as a key venue for cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Khan described the project as a long-held dream now turned into reality. The venue is envisioned as a hub for both sports and entertainment, aimed at leaving a lasting legacy for the sport in the United States.

WhatsApp clarifies username feature is optional and not publicly searchable

WhatsApp has addressed user concerns about its upcoming username feature, emphasizing that adoption will be entirely optional. The company confirmed that usernames will not be publicly searchable, and popular names will be reserved for their legitimate owners to prevent misuse. Despite these assurances, the Indian government has asked Meta to pause the feature's rollout pending further consultations. Authorities have raised concerns about potential risks including scams and identity spoofing that the feature could enable.

'Our chats being monitored': Dipke alleges phone surveillance as protest enters day 13

Indian Markets Set for Positive Open as Crude Oil Prices Decline

Indian stock markets were expected to open in positive territory following a dip in global crude oil prices. Brent crude fell 1.09% to $70.79 per barrel, while US WTI crude dropped 1.27% to $67.71 per barrel. Lower oil prices typically ease inflationary pressures and improve sentiment for oil-importing economies like India. The development was seen as a favorable signal for benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty at the opening bell.

AI Audit Exposes Rs 2 Crore Salary Fraud in Chhattisgarh Police

Three policemen from the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh have been arrested in connection with a salary embezzlement scheme worth approximately Rs 2 crore. The fraud was brought to light through an AI-powered audit that detected financial irregularities in the payroll system. The use of artificial intelligence proved instrumental in uncovering the scam, which may have otherwise gone undetected. Authorities acted on the audit findings and took the accused officers into custody.

World's Oceans Hit Record-High Temperatures in June 2023

Global ocean surface temperatures reached a record 20.98°C in June, surpassing all previous measurements for that month. Climate monitors have flagged this as a significant milestone in tracking the health of the world's oceans. Scientists attribute the spike to a combination of the emerging El Niño weather pattern and long-term climate change. Experts warn that temperatures could climb even higher in the months ahead and into next year. The trend raises serious concerns about the accelerating effects of global warming on marine ecosystems.

Russia Drone Strike on Ukraine Kills 2, Injures 11 Amid Missile Warnings

Russia launched a large-scale drone attack on Ukraine, resulting in two deaths and eleven injuries. Prior to the strike, Ukraine's air force had issued warnings about ballistic missiles approaching the capital. The attack coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cutting short an official visit to Dublin on Wednesday. The incident marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Magnitude 4.7 Earthquake Strikes Tajikistan With No Damage Reported

A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck Tajikistan early Thursday morning, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The tremors originated at a depth of 122 kilometres below the surface. This is the second seismic event to hit the country in quick succession, following a 4.0 magnitude quake on June 21. Tajikistan's mountainous landscape makes it particularly prone to earthquakes and other natural hazards. Experts note that climate change is further compounding these risks, especially for the country's infrastructure and isolated communities.

Balogun faces Belgium suspension after red card in USA's Round of 16 berth

The United States secured a place in the World Cup Round of 16 after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0. However, striker Folarin Balogun was sent off following a VAR review for stepping on an opponent's ankle during the match. Balogun, who had scored his third goal of the tournament before the dismissal, now faces an automatic suspension for the upcoming clash against Belgium. He will be eligible to play only if a formal appeal against the red card is successful.

Delhi Woman's Candid Account of Wipro Layoff After 5.5 Years Goes Viral

Anukriti Vidyarthi, a Delhi-based marketing professional, was laid off from Wipro after five and a half years with the company. She shared her experience openly on social media, describing the job loss as a possible sign to pursue a new direction. Vidyarthi spoke candidly about the emotional impact of losing job security after years of employment. Her post resonated widely online, prompting broader conversations about corporate layoffs and the anxieties faced by professionals in similar situations.

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Nears 2,000 as Survivors Face Food and Shelter Crisis

A series of devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing nearly 2,000 people and leaving thousands more missing. Tens of thousands of survivors are struggling to access food and shelter amid widespread shortages and disrupted essential services. In a rare moment of hope, a three-year-old boy was rescued alive from the rubble six days after the disaster. The catastrophe ranks among the worst seismic events in Latin America's history, compounding the country's already strained economy and posing severe humanitarian challenges.

Abhishek Sharma vents frustration after Kishan run-out, then blazes 59 in rain-hit T20I

Ishan Kishan was run out for the second consecutive time following a batting mix-up with Abhishek Sharma during India's first T20I against England. Stump microphones caught a visibly frustrated Abhishek questioning Kishan over the confusion mid-pitch. Despite the early setback, Abhishek bounced back impressively, smashing 59 off just 24 balls to help India reach 189/7. However, persistent rainfall eventually forced the match to be abandoned without a result.

Japan PM Takaichi visits India for Annual Summit on tech, defence and supply chains

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has arrived in New Delhi for a three-day official visit. The trip is anchored around the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, a key bilateral engagement between the two nations. Talks are expected to cover economic security, resilient supply chains, emerging technologies, and defence cooperation. Both countries seek to strengthen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership through greater investment and industrial collaboration. The visit comes amid shifting global dynamics that have prompted both nations to deepen ties across critical sectors.

Russian missile and drone strike partially collapses Kyiv residential building

Kyiv suffered a severe overnight attack involving missiles and drones launched by Russian forces, resulting in the partial collapse of a residential building and multiple fires across the city. The strike comes in the wake of Ukraine conducting its own long-range attacks on targets inside Russia. The exchange reflects an ongoing escalation, with both sides intensifying their military operations. Total war casualties have reportedly crossed the two million mark. Russia has also renewed its warnings to the United States over continued military assistance to Ukraine.

Lyari's Passionate Football Culture Puts Karachi's Gritty Neighbourhood on the Map

Lyari, a historically marginalized neighbourhood in Karachi, Pakistan, has long been associated with gang violence and poverty. However, the area has quietly nurtured a deep and passionate football culture that residents are now eager to share with the world. Local footballer Dhurandhar emerged as a symbol of this sporting spirit, demonstrating that talent can thrive even in difficult circumstances. The community's love for football was on vivid display when Brazil's stoppage-time winner against Japan at the World Cup sparked intense celebrations in Lyari's narrow streets. Residents now hope that their neighbourhood's footballing identity will come to define Lyari more than its troubled past.

Pakistan Businessman Razes 125-Year-Old Gurdwara, India Demands Investigation

A Pakistani businessman demolished a 125-year-old Gurdwara, triggering protests and drawing sharp reaction from India. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal formally urged Islamabad to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. New Delhi called on Pakistani authorities to restore the damaged portions of the historic religious structure. India also pressed Pakistan to guarantee the safety and well-being of its religious minority communities.