India

RBI Special Swap Facility Attracts $40.8 Billion in Foreign Inflows by July End

India's Reserve Bank received $40.816 billion in foreign exchange inflows through its special swap facility by the end of July. This amount nearly doubled compared to the $20.718 billion recorded just two weeks earlier, reflecting strong uptake of the scheme. FCNR(B) deposits were the largest contributor, accounting for $36.725 billion of the total. Overseas foreign currency borrowings and external commercial borrowings also made notable contributions to the tally. The facility was introduced to bolster India's balance of payments and attract greater capital inflows from abroad.

Bengaluru Launches Month-Long Drive to Clear Construction and Demolition Waste

The Greater Bengaluru Authority has initiated a month-long campaign called 'Freedom from Waste' targeting construction and demolition debris across the city. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has warned property owners to clean up waste or face consequences. The drive aims to crack down on illegal dumping that has been affecting Bengaluru's cleanliness. Authorities are urging residents and property owners to comply with waste disposal norms during the campaign period.

Amit Shah credits NSA Ajit Doval for every major national security decision since 2014

Union Home Minister Amit Shah publicly praised National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for his pivotal contributions to India's national security. Shah stated that Doval played a central role in every significant security decision taken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. The NSA's extensive background in intelligence has been credited with strengthening both India's defense posture and its foreign policy over the past decade. Doval was honoured with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award, which he accepted with humility and gratitude toward the country's leadership.

BRICS at 25: Demographic Potential Still Waiting to Be Unlocked

The BRICS grouping marks 25 years since its conception, yet its vast demographic potential remains largely unrealized. Despite five changes in government across member nations and hundreds of investment summits held over the decades, meaningful economic dividends have not materialized. Analysts argue that political will has consistently failed to translate the bloc's population advantage into sustained growth. The gap between demographic promise and actual development outcomes continues to define the BRICS narrative a quarter-century on.

'As if I am a terrorist': Tehseen Poonawalla claims house arrest over E20 protest

UP teen allegedly killed by brother over love affair in Sitapur

A 17-year-old girl was allegedly murdered by her elder brother in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. The attack took place shortly after she returned home following a police recovery. The family's opposition to her romantic relationship is believed to have motivated the killing. The brother chased her down and attacked her with a sharp weapon, causing her death. Police have launched a search operation to apprehend the absconding accused.

Kharge Condemns Kulgam Attack, Says Labourers Were Identified Before Being Shot

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has condemned the killing of two labourers in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that terrorists deliberately identified the victims before murdering them. The two deceased were migrant workers from Chhattisgarh who had travelled to the region in search of employment. Chief ministers of both Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh announced financial assistance for the victims' families. The attack follows another recent terror incident that occurred during Amarnath Yatra security duty.

Farooq Abdullah Questions Timing of Kulgam Attack Amid Statehood Demands

Two migrant labourers were killed in a terrorist attack in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah raised questions about the timing of the attack, suggesting such incidents tend to coincide with his party's calls for statehood restoration. People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the killings, describing them as a security lapse. She urged authorities to conduct a high-level investigation into the incident and provide compensation to the victims' families.

Key Home Renovations to Prioritise Once Your Property Turns 10

Properties that reach the ten-year mark typically require systematic inspections and targeted upgrades to maintain their condition. Homeowners are advised to focus on structural integrity, as ageing materials and systems can compromise safety and long-term value. Modernising kitchens and bathrooms is considered especially impactful, as these spaces strongly influence buyer perception in the resale market. Exterior maintenance and HVAC replacements help sustain energy efficiency and improve curb appeal. Addressing these key areas proactively keeps a home both functional and competitive in the property market.

'Will march to PM's residence over E20': Kejriwal announces August 3 protest

Suez Canal Opening in 1869 Led to 120 Fish Species Entering Mediterranean

The Suez Canal was opened in 1869, creating a new waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. Following its opening, approximately 120 fish species crossed from the Red Sea into the Mediterranean Sea through the canal. This biological migration represents one of the most significant human-caused species transfers in maritime history. The phenomenon, now known as Lessepsian migration, has had lasting ecological impacts on Mediterranean marine life.

14-km iceberg cut off food supply, causing 69% drop in Antarctic penguin chicks

Sunken German warship from WWII resurfaces due to low river levels in Serbia

Amazon to refund part of $600M tariff windfall to eligible customers

Amazon has received approximately $600 million in refunds stemming from Trump-era tariffs and plans to pass a portion back to shoppers. CFO Brian Olsavsky confirmed that customers with identifiable import charges will be automatically reimbursed, while remaining funds will be used to reduce prices broadly. The relatively modest refund size reflects Amazon's strategy of building up inventory ahead of tariff hikes. Additionally, Amazon is not the importer of record for most products, as third-party sellers make up over 60% of marketplace sales, limiting its direct tariff exposure.

Ludhiana to Jind direct train approved; Indian Railways extends passenger service

Vijay personally called Dhanush to praise his work in Thiruchitrambalam

Actor Vijay watched Dhanush's 2022 film Thiruchitrambalam alongside fans at a screening in Hyderabad. Despite security concerns, Vijay was determined to attend and wore a mask to avoid attention. Upon the film's conclusion, he promptly reached out to Dhanush with a phone call to appreciate his performance. Thiruchitrambalam, released in August 2022, had already earned widespread critical praise. The incident was revealed by lyricist Vivek Velmurugan, shedding light on Vijay's regard for his peers in the industry.

Russia Targets Kyiv Fuel Stations in Fresh Wave of Strikes

Russia has launched attacks on gas stations across Kyiv as part of its ongoing war against Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities confirmed the strikes, describing them as a deliberate tactic to disrupt civilian life. Fuel stations have taken on heightened importance for residents during the prolonged conflict, making them strategically significant targets. Officials stated that the attacks are designed to intimidate the civilian population by hitting infrastructure they depend on daily.

Canada tightens financial scrutiny rules for international study permit applicants

Canada has revised its study permit regulations, introducing stricter financial checks for international students seeking to study there. Immigration officers are now required to evaluate not just the amount of funds an applicant holds, but also the source of those funds. This marks a broader assessment process compared to previous guidelines, which were more focused on high-risk environments. Applicants may be asked to submit additional financial and employment documents as part of the verification process. Notably, the minimum financial threshold required to obtain a study permit has not been changed under the new rules.

Alzarri Joseph denies fallout with Sammy, cites fitness for Test absence

West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has responded to head coach Daren Sammy's claim that he declined selection for a recent Test series. Joseph said his absence was due to physical unreadiness following a prolonged injury layoff, not a personal dispute. He noted that his body was insufficiently recovered after featuring in ODI matches ahead of the Tests. The pacer stressed his professionalism and unwavering commitment to representing West Indies. Joseph also made clear that personal relationships with team management have no bearing on his dedication to the side.

President Murmu assents to anti-paper leak amendment Bill