India

Indian athletes hit by accommodation, registration woes at Asian Games 2026

Indian athletes competing in rowing and shooting faced significant difficulties upon arriving in Japan for the 2026 Asian Games. Multiple competitors were left without accommodation arrangements, while others found their names absent from the official registration list. The rowing team's training was further disrupted due to a delay in the delivery of their oars. On the shooting side, coach Samaresh Jung encountered accreditation issues that restricted his access to necessary areas. The troubled arrival marked a difficult start to the campaign for the Indian contingent.

Two UP Class 10 Students Rescue Drowning Woman From Canal

Krishna Gupta and Saddam Hussain, both 16-year-old Class 10 students from Uttar Pradesh, jumped into a turbulent canal to rescue a woman who had fallen into the water. The teenagers kept the woman afloat and guided her to safety, where bystanders helped pull her out. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the woman entering the canal. Both students were subsequently recognized and honored for their swift and courageous response.

Trump Slams EU Plan to Grant Canada First-Ever Associate Membership

The European Union is considering making Canada its first-ever associate member, a proposal that has drawn sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump, who called it a hostile act. The move comes as Canada seeks to reduce its economic reliance on the United States amid Trump's tariffs and repeated suggestions that Canada should become the 51st US state. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to deepen the existing Canada-EU free trade agreement, known as CETA, through a broader framework called the 'Alliance for the Future'. The proposed partnership aims to establish a shared space for economic prosperity and security between the two parties.

Pentagon CTO Opposes Government Stakes and New Rules for AI Companies

The Pentagon's chief technology officer has spoken out against the US government taking ownership stakes in artificial intelligence companies. He also rejected calls for stricter regulatory oversight of the AI sector, arguing that existing laws are sufficient. Instead, he favors enforcing current legislation rather than introducing new regulations. His stance aligns with the broader administration position of prioritizing rapid AI development to maintain national competitiveness.

AT&T CEO John Stankey Insists Employees Come to Meetings with Data-Backed Views

AT&T CEO John Stankey requires employees to arrive at meetings with a clear point of view supported by data, emphasizing preparation as essential to productive discussions. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon echoes this sentiment, stressing that leaders must create environments where employees feel comfortable speaking up. Both executives are exploring how emerging AI tools can further improve the way teams prepare for meetings. Despite the rise of new technology, they maintain that thorough preparation remains a fundamental workplace expectation. The approach is aimed at eliminating unproductive, ceremonial meetings and driving more meaningful outcomes.

Arjun Erigaisi stunned by lower-rated Thai player in Chess Olympiad opener

India's second-ranked chess player Arjun Erigaisi suffered an unexpected Round 1 loss at the Chess Olympiad against Thailand's Prin Laohawirapap, despite holding a notable rating advantage. The upset came on the opening day of the prestigious tournament. However, the rest of the Indian men's team performed well, securing enough wins to claim an overall team victory against Thailand. The Indian women's team had a stronger showing, sweeping their opponents with a commanding 4-0 result.

Microsoft AI CEO warns against building AI with consciousness or rights assumptions

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman has issued a warning to AI companies, including Anthropic, about the risks of developing AI systems built on assumptions of consciousness or rights. He argues that attributing feelings or rights to AI agents makes it significantly harder to align and contain these systems safely. Suleyman stressed that such approaches could pose serious challenges as AI becomes more deeply embedded in society. He is calling for an urgent and broad public debate on the norms and principles that should guide AI development before that integration reaches a critical point.

Jarange Patil suspends 20-day fast, gives Maharashtra govt 3-month deadline

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil ended his 20-day hunger strike after issuing the Maharashtra government a three-month deadline to address his demands. By the 18th day of his fast, Jarange said he was too physically drained to continue or undertake a long journey. He requested that the thousands of supporters who had gathered not follow his vehicle upon his departure from Patoda. Instead, he asked community members to meet him directly at Khopoli. The development marks a temporary pause in his agitation for Maratha reservation.

Hanuman Ansh Crosses Rs 300 Crore Worldwide on Day 41 at Box Office

Spiritual drama Hanuman Ansh has surpassed Rs 300 crore in worldwide box office collections by its 41st day of release. The film is also approaching the Rs 300 crore mark in domestic earnings alone. Collections saw a slight dip on Wednesday but the film has maintained a strong overall run. Its continued performance highlights sustained audience interest well into its theatrical run.

Good El Nino? How a bad monsoon left city drenched

Depression cheer, P 4

India to field 503 athletes in niche sports like teqball and kurash at Aichi-Nagoya 2026

The 2026 Asian Games, set to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, will feature several unconventional sports new to many Indian fans. Events such as teqball, kurash, soft tennis, sepak takraw, and sport climbing are among the disciplines on the programme. These sports reflect a blend of athletic skill and Asian cultural heritage. India will send a sizeable contingent of 503 athletes to compete across a wide range of events at the Games.

Tamil Nadu Pledges to Ban Ganesh Idol Immersion in Water Bodies by 2027

Tamil Nadu government has assured a green court that Ganesh idol immersions in natural water bodies will be prohibited from 2027 onwards. The commitment was made during a court hearing on a petition that sought directions to stop the environmentally harmful practice. The petition highlighted the ecological damage caused by immersing idols directly into rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. The state's assurance signals a shift toward more environmentally responsible alternatives for idol immersion during the Ganesh festival.

Rashid Khan hails Sooryavanshi as God-gifted, backs Abhishek Sharma for India

Afghanistan spin legend Rashid Khan has praised India's emerging batting talent, singling out 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a rare 'God-gifted' prospect. He described Abhishek Sharma as a 'very big package' for Team India, highlighting the youngster's fearless approach. On the Afghanistan front, Rashid acknowledged that his side needs to address weaknesses in the powerplay phase. He also identified teammates Noor Ahmad and Abdollah Ahmadzai as players capable of making a significant impact. Rashid additionally revealed that winning a major ICC title remains an unfulfilled ambition in his storied career.

Maharashtra FDA flags hospitals overcharging up to 2,841% on medical consumables

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) chief has urged the central government to address what officials are calling a 'permissible gap' in medical pricing. Hospitals across the country may be charging patients up to 2,841% more than the actual cost of commonly used medical consumables. The concern was raised as a systemic issue, highlighting how current regulations allow significant price markups on everyday hospital supplies. The Maharashtra FDA chief's appeal to the Centre seeks intervention to close this pricing loophole and protect patients from excessive medical bills.

Russian Strike Destroys Warehouse of Studio Behind Zelensky's Rise to Fame

A Russian strike has destroyed a warehouse belonging to a Ukrainian television studio closely associated with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The studio is renowned for producing some of Ukraine's most popular television content. It was notably responsible for a comedy series featuring a fictional president, a role that launched Zelensky into national prominence before his entry into politics. The attack represents the latest instance of Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian cultural and media infrastructure.

SC pulls up govt for 'denying' disabled soldiers their benefits

AI Competition Looms Large as Trump and Xi Hold Talks

The United States and China are engaged in high-level diplomatic talks, with artificial intelligence emerging as a central point of tension. Both nations consider AI advancement vital to their economic strength and military capabilities. Key disputes include restricted access to advanced semiconductors, accusations of technology theft, and disagreements over how the AI industry should be regulated. These unresolved issues form a significant backdrop to the ongoing dialogue between the two powers.

10 get death in Jhiram Ghati attack but little solace for victim’s kin: ‘What about surrendered Maoists?’

700 trees were felled for stadium. Now, Madhya Pradesh asked to plant 7,000 instead

‘Made in Bastar’: How Chhattisgarh is moving from Red to green