India

UPI Now Enables PF Withdrawals, But Experts Urge Caution Over Pension Risk

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has been integrated with the Employees' Provident Fund system, making it easier for members to withdraw their provident fund savings. While the move simplifies access to retirement funds, financial experts are cautioning against hasty withdrawals. A key concern is that premature withdrawal can disqualify members from lifelong pension benefits under the Employees' Pension Scheme. These pension benefits are designed to provide a steady monthly income after retirement, making them a critical component of long-term financial security. Experts advise members to carefully weigh short-term liquidity needs against the long-term value of retaining their pension eligibility.

India Dismisses Pakistan's Allegations Amid Karachi Attack Fallout

India has rejected Pakistan's claims linking it to a recent attack in Karachi, calling them baseless and urging Pakistan to look inwards. Pakistan's information minister confirmed that the country carried out overnight airstrikes on eastern Afghanistan in retaliation for the deadly attack. The strikes were aimed at targeting terrorists believed to be responsible for the incident. The episode has heightened tensions in the region, with India firmly denying any involvement in the attack.

Pakistan Ground Operation Near Afghan Border Kills 29

Pakistan has launched a ground military operation along its border with Afghanistan, resulting in 29 deaths. The operation targets militant groups active in the border region. It comes just one day after armed militants attacked the regional headquarters of the paramilitary Rangers in Karachi, Pakistan's southern port city. That attack, carried out with guns and explosives, killed three soldiers. The back-to-back incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges Pakistan faces from militant activity.

Watch: Massive black smoke billows from Russian oil refinery after Ukrainian drone strike, 1 dead

Italy opens antitrust probe into Microsoft over AI-driven subscription upgrades

Italy's competition authority has launched a formal investigation into Microsoft over its handling of AI feature integrations in Microsoft 365 plans. The regulator alleges that subscribers were automatically moved to more expensive plans that bundled new AI tools, including Copilot and Designer. Authorities are concerned that customers were not adequately informed about these changes or the associated price increases. The watchdog believes this conduct may constitute an unfair commercial practice and could have limited consumer choice.

Putin Acknowledges Fuel Shortage After Ukraine Strikes Russian Energy Sites

Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly admitted to a fuel shortage in Russia following Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure. Ukraine has carried out attacks targeting Russian fuel and energy facilities, which Kyiv describes as justified retaliation. Ukrainian officials argue the strikes are a direct response to Russia's near-daily bombardment of Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure. The conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale offensive in February 2022, has seen both sides targeting each other's critical infrastructure.

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Approaches 1,500 as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Venezuela has been struck by twin earthquakes in what is being described as one of Latin America's most devastating seismic disasters. The death toll is approaching 1,500, with rescue hopes diminishing as time passes. Millions of survivors are feared to be without access to sanitation and other basic necessities. The scale of the disaster has triggered a widespread humanitarian emergency across the affected region.

Ireland beat India 2-0 in T20I series, ending 16-series winning streak

Ireland clinched a historic 2-0 T20I series victory over India, marking a significant upset in international cricket. India fell agonizingly short in their chase of 155, losing by just one run despite a late recovery. Captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that Ireland outplayed his side and demonstrated a better grasp of the playing conditions. India's batting unit struggled to adapt throughout the series, contributing to the defeat. The loss also brought an end to India's remarkable run of 16 consecutive series wins.

Blue Jays may trade $110M star at deadline amid disappointing 2026 season

The Toronto Blue Jays entered the 2026 season with championship aspirations after a strong run against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but have struggled to stay above .500. Sitting at 39-44, the team finds itself in an uncertain position despite remaining within reach of an American League Wild Card spot. The tightly contested playoff race has placed the Blue Jays' roster under intense scrutiny as the trade deadline approaches. Toronto's front office now faces a difficult decision on whether to buy or sell, with a high-profile $110 million player potentially on the move.

Jahangir Aziz: ‘Investment is casualty when industry concentration rises’

Ben Stokes Cites Emotional Exhaustion After Ashes Defeat as Reason for Retirement

England Test captain Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket, pointing to the emotional toll of the recent Ashes defeat as the key factor. He admitted to his wife that he had no fight left in him following the series loss. Stokes also highlighted years of accumulated physical and mental exhaustion from the demands of professional cricket. The decision marks the end of an era for England, as Stokes had been a central figure in their Test setup.

4 of Haryana Family Killed After SUV Rams Reversing Car on Delhi-Dehradun Expressway

A fatal road accident on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway killed four members of a Haryana family. Their car was reportedly being reversed after the driver missed an exit when a speeding SUV struck it from behind with great force. The impact caused the vehicle to be dragged and overturn, leaving three other occupants critically injured. The collision was recorded on CCTV footage. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Delhi endures 50°C heat index and warmest June night in two years

Delhi is experiencing severe heat stress, with apparent temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius during the day. Nighttime temperatures have reached their highest level for the month of June in two years. A combination of an active heatwave and elevated humidity is driving the oppressive conditions across the capital. Prolonged exposure to such extreme heat poses serious health risks for residents. Relief remains distant as monsoon rains continue to be delayed.

‘Irrational’, ‘alarming’: Opposition on former editor’s passport row

Evicted from home, Kerala family goes missing on day of moving into new residence; bodies recovered from river

From Dibrugarh to Frankfurt: The Indian face behind $1bn German IT co Nagarro

Turning tide: NHAI hits fast lane in arbitration on stricter monitoring

Outsourcing govt jobs is latest political flashpoint in J&K

Army set to establish, operationalise first Integrated Battle Groups next month

Harmanpreet Kaur blunt about India's poor show against top teams after WC exit

India were eliminated from the Women's Cricket World Cup after failing to qualify for the semi-finals. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur did not hold back in her assessment, openly admitting that the team did not perform well against stronger opposition. India had posted a competitive total of 170 for four after being asked to bat, but it was not enough to keep their campaign alive. The captain's candid remarks highlighted a recurring weakness in the team's performance against top-ranked sides.