The Economic Times

Tejashwi Yadav alleged Prime Minister Modi cancelled his Bihar visit. This cancellation occurred due to anticipated defeat in the Bankipur bypoll. Student unrest and government unpopularity were cited as reasons for the expected loss. The Bihar government announced withdrawal of cases against protesters. Yadav demanded a judicial inquiry into police firing incidents.

The Calcutta High Court directed law enforcement to secure an upcoming inter-faith marriage in Howrah, emphasizing that adult individuals have the fundamental right to choose their spouses. Scheduled for Wednesday, the marriage will see police safeguarding the event and preventing any disruptions, with a compliance report expected seven days post-ceremony.

Japan earthquake Update: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, causing significant disruption. The tremor registered the highest level on Japan's shindo scale, impacting local residents. Tsunami advisories were issued for coastal areas, urging immediate evacuation inland. Factories halted operations and rail services were suspended across the affected region. The event reopened old wounds for a region still healing from a past quake.

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed France coach for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, marking a new chapter in the legendary football icon's career. From inspiring France's 1998 World Cup triumph and scoring Real Madrid's iconic Champions League final winner to winning three consecutive Champions League titles as a coach, Zidane's journey remains one of football's greatest success stories.

An investigation found that the US Office of Refugee Resettlement has shared more than 460,000 leads with Immigration and Customs Enforcement since President Donald Trump's second term began, resulting in over 12,000 arrests. The policy shift has led to migrant parents, sponsors and household members facing detention after seeking reunification with unaccompanied children.

New York City weather: New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley are expected to get heavy rainfall on Tuesday, with the National Weather Service warning of the potential for severe thunderstorms. Forecasters have warned of flash flooding, damaging winds and even possible tornadoes in New York, adding that the city could get drenched by more than four inches of rain due to an unusually powerful storm

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new French national football team coach. He signed a four-year contract, succeeding Didier Deschamps after his tenure ended. Zidane expressed his lifelong ambition to manage the French team, which was his sole focus. He previously enjoyed significant success managing Real Madrid, winning multiple Champions League titles. Zidane aims to bring continuity and success to the French team in his new role.

President Trump announced the purchase of 250 Cadillac Escalades for the presidential motorcade. He praised the luxury SUVs and American automobile manufacturing during a Michigan speech. The 2026 Cadillac Escalade features advanced technology and premium interiors. This flagship SUV offers powerful performance and extensive driver assistance systems. Trump also lauded General Motors workers for their contributions to the industry.

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, is facing growing questions over his leadership ambitions despite years of campaigning for democratic change. A Reuters investigation finds waning donor confidence, opposition divisions and a lack of backing from the Trump administration, highlighting the absence of a clear alternative to Iran's ruling establishment.

Perpetual software license resale: A 2012 European Court of Justice ruling that Oracle lost, establishing that perpetual software licences can be resold freely, has come back to define a 270 million case against Microsoft in London. Microsoft has now lost twice and is seeking Supreme Court intervention, with a separate class action potentially running into billions.

Congress criticises the government's past exam reform implementation. A previous committee's recommendations have seen limited action. The party questions the formation of a new task force. They cite unfulfilled promises and delays in appointments. This raises doubts about the sincerity of current reform efforts.

Local body elections in Tamil Nadu are expected to be postponed until early 2027. This delay is due to the extension of the Seventh State Finance Commission's tenure. The commission's assessment is crucial for financial distribution and poll preparations. Over ninety thousand local administrative positions are currently managed by special officers. Previous civic polls were held in phases during 2019, 2021, and 2022.

For the seventh consecutive day, the Rajya Sabhas proceedings were halted amid cries from opposition parties wishing to address police actions regarding NEET paper leak demonstrators. The session briefly resumed after lunch but was swiftly adjourned again until Wednesday. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi attempted to introduce a development bill, but opposition MPs insisted on a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah.

Atlanta man wipes phone during airport search: A federal case in Atlanta has put GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused Android operating system, at the centre of a legal battle after prosecutors charged a man with destroying evidence when his phone wiped itself during an airport search. The case raises uncomfortable questions about whether using privacy software can be treated as proof of criminal intent.

Congress leaders have criticized the BJP for honoring Dharmendra Pradhan after his resignation. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the welcome shameful given the circumstances. Rahul Gandhi stated Pradhan symbolizes corruption and a ruined education system. He added the BJP celebrated ruined futures of many children. Students across the nation are observing these events and remembering participants.

As lakhs of Kanwariyas take to the roads for Sawan 2026, Delhi Police, Ghaziabad Police, Meerut Police and Uttarakhand authorities have rolled out one of the most extensive traffic clampdowns of the year. Here is everything commuters, tourists and daily travellers need to know before stepping out between now and mid-August.

A viral video shows a passenger lighting an oil lamp and incense on a moving train. This act raised significant concerns about passenger safety and potential fire hazards. Smoke from the ritual could trigger the train's automated smoke detection system. Railways have requested details to investigate the incident and ensure passenger well-being. Social media users are calling for stricter actions against such safety breaches.

Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon secured bronze in the 10m air rifle mixed team event. This medal increased India's total tally to four at the ISSF World Cup. Both Indian teams performed well during the qualification rounds to reach the final. Sonam and Himanshu delivered a composed performance to claim the bronze medal. This achievement marks a significant milestone for both young shooters.

NCPI MPs attended their first NDA Parliamentary Party meeting after joining the coalition. Leaders described the gathering as enriching and well-organized, welcoming their inclusion. Discussions covered India's Free Trade Agreements and the blue economy sector. Upcoming legislation and the government's development roadmap were also detailed. The meeting concluded with addresses from Union ministers and senior NDA leaders.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday unveiled two significant policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) aimed at promoting gender parity in the induction & service conditions of officers, and streamlining the administrative procedures for granting ex-gratia to the families of personnel reported missing at sea while on duty.

Tiger Shroff is reportedly set to make his competitive football debut after being named in Mumbay FC's squad for the 135th Durand Cup. The Bollywood actor, who has long showcased his football skills on social media, has been training with the club and could feature in its final group-stage match, marking an unexpected crossover from films to professional football.

BJP MP Swati Maliwal criticized Arvind Kejriwal for his silence on Punjab's examination paper leaks. She claimed the state has experienced six major leaks over the past five years. Maliwal also alleged the Cockroach Janta Party is AAP's 'B team' created by associates. She stated AAP government brutally lathi-charged protesting students in Punjab. The Punjab education minister should resign immediately, Maliwal demanded.

The Bombay High Court is set to deliberate on Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's legal action against Meta, X Corp, and Google regarding defamatory deepfakes on August 5. The posts wrongfully connect him to financial advantages linked to the ethanol policy. Gadkari seeks a court order to prevent the spread of these damaging falsehoods, aiming to protect his integrity online.

Beyond the Valley festival will feature John Summit and the Black Eyed Peas. International and local artists will perform across multiple stages. The event runs from December 28 to December 31, 2026. Attendees can expect immersive attractions and unique festival experiences. Tickets go on sale August 7 after presale sign-ups.

The Indian badminton team was largerly dsiqualified in the Taipei Open Super 300 qualifiers, with only Rounak Chouhan managing to progress to the next round. The second-seeded men's singles player defeated Canada's Joshua Nguyen in straight games to keep India's hopes alive. However, other Indian singles players, including Rithvik Sanjeevi, Sankar Subramanian, Tushar Suveer and women's singles player Aakarshi Kashyap, suffered early exits. Indian doubles pairs also faced defeats, leaving Chouhan

The BJP is intensifying its digital outreach on Instagram to connect with young people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads this coordinated push following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Several Union ministers and party leaders have joined this heightened activity on the platform. The party's focus follows student protests which highlighted social media's growing influence. This strategy aims to address concerns and strengthen the examination system.

Restoring order to surroundings offers a powerful sense of control. Cleaning provides immediate feedback and a sense of manageable accomplishment. Research indicates that cleaning can reduce psychological and physiological stress responses. A cluttered environment may contribute to stress by signalling unfinished tasks. While beneficial, excessive cleaning may indicate underlying mental health concerns.

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday afternoon. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami alert for coastal areas. Waves up to one meter were predicted to reach shore soon after. This seismic event occurred just over a month after a similar quake in northern Japan.

Apollo Micro Systems has been selected by the Indian Air Force to develop the Indigenous Precision Range Extension Kit (IPREK), a defence system designed to enhance the range and accuracy of existing bombs. The company will supply over 500 units in the initial phase, integrating technologies such as NavIC navigation and precision guidance to boost India's indigenous defence capabilities.

DRDO data is reportedly being sold for eight thousand dollars on the dark web. A cyber intelligence firm discovered the alleged data listing during routine monitoring. Sample documents released appear to contain restricted technical information and scientist signatures. DRDO is currently verifying the authenticity of these serious claims and reports. Cybersecurity experts recommend a thorough forensic examination of the purported breach.

Bank of Baroda confirmed a data breach originating from a compromised employee email account. The lender insists its core banking systems remained entirely untouched and secure. This incident is primarily a privacy and identity fraud concern for customers. Customers should reset passwords and enable transaction alerts immediately. Locking Aadhaar biometrics and monitoring credit reports are also recommended actions.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara seeks reports on a land registration system overhaul. The proposed roadmap aims to verify ownership before registration, reducing fraud. This shift moves Karnataka from document recording to transaction validation. The integrated system will link registration, revenue records, and mapping.

Four decades after abandoning nuclear power in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster, Italy is preparing to revive the sector as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government pushes legislation to create a legal framework for next-generation reactors. The move is driven by energy security concerns, rising electricity demand and climate goals, but faces questions over costs, waste management and public acceptance despite growing support among younger Italians.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the NDA parliamentary party meeting, 'Mangal Milan', where MPs who defected from Trinamool Congress to NCPI were present. Discussions focused on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the anti-paper leak bill.

Saransh Jain earned his maiden India Test call-up at age thirty-three. This achievement followed a journey marked by perseverance and strong family support. His father, Subodh Jain, a former cricketer, shared his own fulfilled dream. A handwritten note from his father during a health crisis became a source of strength. Consistent domestic performances paved the way for this significant national recognition.

A Kerala consumer commission has ordered an Instagram boutique to pay 36,880 to a woman who paid for two dresses needed for a wedding, received only one after months of delays, and was told to go ahead and file a case when she asked for a refund. The court ruled that Instagram sellers are fully bound by consumer protection law.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticized young Hindu women's lifestyles and personal choices. She described some as Generation Gutter on her Instagram Stories. Ranaut also attacked Gen Z protest reels, calling them puke inducing and jarring. She found the protesters' language and conduct to be crass. The actress stated she needed a digital detox after viewing the reels.

India's IT Ministry summoned Meta's public policy head regarding a removed post. This action followed a BJP worker's accusation of Facebook restricting the Prime Minister's video. The worker questioned Meta's authority to censor content for millions of citizens. She also raised concerns about political bias and accountability from the company. The ministry's summons indicates a significant government response to the platform's actions.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut criticized the new anti-paper leak bill introduced by the central government. He alleged that the biggest paper leak racket operates within the Bharatiya Janata Party. Raut stated that merely passing a law will not resolve the issue of examination malpractices. The Congress party also plans to discuss the bill in the Lok Sabha. Opposition participation hinges on assurances regarding student protest actions.

Pyrocumulonimbus Cloud Formation: Fierce wildfires in southwest France generated towering storm clouds, a phenomenon called pyrocumulonimbus. These fire clouds gain energy from burning material, unlike normal thunderstorms. They create unpredictable winds and lightning, posing new dangers for firefighters. Such storms can inject smoke high into the atmosphere, affecting global air quality. Climate change is increasing the frequency of these extreme fire-generated weather events.

Iran publicly executed two men convicted of violent attacks during protests. Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir-Hossein Safari were found guilty of assaulting police officers. They were accused of charges including waging war against God and spreading fear. These executions occurred in Malekshahr, central Isfahan province, following recent unrest. Iran carries out the world's second-highest number of executions annually.

A Kerala consumer commission has ordered Canara Bank to pay Rs 45,000 in compensation and costs after it automatically debited Rs 53,463 from a woman's savings account on a Sunday to recover a gold loan, without her consent and without first invoking its right to sell the pledged gold ornaments it already held as security.

The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for Tuesday and Wednesday after landslides blocked several pilgrimage routes and the weather department issued a heavy rainfall alert. Authorities said the decision was taken to ensure pilgrims' safety, with the yatra set to resume once weather conditions improve and routes are cleared.