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'There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir': Indian Embassy in US calls out 'misleading' NYT headline

The Indian Embassy objected to the NYT's terminology on PoK and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India.

IPL 2026 champions RCB become first cricket franchise to cross $300M brand value

IPL 2026 champions RCB have made history by becoming the first cricket franchise to cross $300 million in brand value, topping Houlihan Lokey's valuation report ahead of MI and KKR.

Bloodshed continues in PoK as Pakistan army kills protesters

At least 30 people have been reported killed in clashes between police and protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The unrest erupted amid demonstrations, with authorities facing mounting pressure as tensions continue to rise over the demands and grievances raised by protesters.

Astronomers finally find Betelgeuse's hidden companion star

Astronomers have finally confirmed the existence of a long-suspected hidden companion orbiting Betelgeuse, one of the brightest and most famous stars in the night sky. The discovery helps solve decades-old mysteries surrounding Betelgeuse's unusual brightness fluctuations and offers new insights into the evolution of massive stars. Scientists say the breakthrough marks a major milestone in stellar astronomy.

Explosions heard on LNG vessels at Egypt's Damietta Port; fire erupts

A drone reportedly struck a US-operated LNG vessel at Egypt's Damietta Port, triggering a fire. Egyptian authorities say there were no casualties and the blaze was contained.

Gen Alpha protests, demanding better education, rock UP & Rajasthan

Thousands of schoolchildren across India took to the streets demanding better schools, improved education infrastructure, and the appointment of more teachers. The demonstrations, led largely by Gen Alpha students, highlight growing concerns over teacher shortages, inadequate classrooms, and the quality of public education. Protesters urged authorities to invest more in schools and ensure equal access to quality education for every child. The movement has sparked nationwide debate on the future of India's education system.

Authorities probe poaching angle as 15 elephants die in a month in Kenya

A troubling mystery is unfolding at Kenya's iconic Amboseli National Park, where 15 elephants have died within just a month, prompting an urgent investigation. The Kenya Wildlife Service says 10 of the animals showed signs of partial paralysis before dying within two days, while five carcasses were too decomposed to examine. Most victims were female elephants and their calves

Protesters call Netanyahu a 'war criminal' during Washington visit

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the United States as he met President Donald Trump at the White House. Protesters called for an end to the Gaza conflict and criticized Israel's military operations, while the two leaders discussed regional security, Iran, and broader Middle East developments. Watch the latest updates, key moments from the protests, and highlights from the Trump-Netanyahu meeting.

Iran’s AI breakthrough amid war: New indigenous system boosts oil recovery by 59% | Gravitas

While the US sought to dent a blow to Iran’s oil exports with its naval blockade, it has achieved limited success. Shipping data indicated that Iranian oil exports fell to their lowest level in at least six years in May. But the ceasefire eased pressure on Tehran.

Erling Haaland's World Cup Impact Sparks Record Tourism, Business and Global Attention for Norway

Erling Haaland's FIFA World Cup campaign became much more than a football success story. The Norwegian superstar's performances, personality, and viral fan culture transformed Norway into a global phenomenon, driving tourism, merchandise sales, and consumer spending worldwide. From the iconic Viking chant to sold-out Norway jerseys and a surge in international travel interest, Haaland's influence extended far beyond the pitch. Visa data showed spending in Norway nearly doubled during the team's matches, while Google searches for Norway jumped by around 300%. Businesses linked to Haaland also experienced record sales, proving how a modern sports icon can reshape a nation's global image and economy.

China is sending 400 rocket launchers to Iran under a new deal

Iran operates as an independent regional power with its own ideological and strategic goals rather than a direct proxy front for China, though Beijing deepens ties through economic and reported military support. Reports indicate Iran is set to receive up to 400 Chinese shoulder-fired air-defense systems (MANPADS) worth $60–70 million.

US targets Iran with fresh sanctions over Hormuz 'extortion scheme'

President Donald Trump threatened Iran with a forceful response after a missile attack on US bases in Jordan, as Washington imposed fresh sanctions over a Hormuz "extortion scheme."

Mekedatu Dam row: Vijay writes to PM Modi, calls stance 'disappointing'

The Central Government has clarified that Karnataka does not require the consent of other riparian states to proceed with the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir on the Cauvery River. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Centre said the Supreme Court's 2018 Cauvery verdict does not mandate such consent.

Assam Floods: Death Toll Rises to 75,  Over 3 Lakh People Affected | Gravitas

Assam continues to reel from the impact of devastating floods. While the death toll has now climbed to 75, 3.3 lakh people across seven districts remain affected by floods.

Gravitas | Thailand is set to abandon one of its biggest infrastructure projects

Thailand is set to abandon one of its biggest infrastructure projects after a government review found the proposed $30 billion Land Bridge financially unviable and environmentally risky.

India Approves Polymer ₹10 & ₹20 Banknote Trials | RBI to Test 2 Billion Plastic Currency Notes

India has approved the Reserve Bank of India's proposal to begin large-scale field trials of polymer banknotes in ₹10 and ₹20 denominations. The RBI will print 2 billion polymer notes for testing to evaluate their durability, cost-effectiveness, and performance in circulation. Officials clarified that there is no plan to replace existing paper currency, with both polymer and paper notes expected to circulate together if the pilot succeeds. Polymer banknotes, already used in over 60 countries including Australia, the UK, and Canada, last significantly longer than conventional paper notes and offer improved resistance to wear, moisture, and dirt. The move revives a proposal first announced in 2012 and aims to improve the lifespan of Indian currency while reducing long-term currency management costs.

Who is Trump's new spy chief Jay Clayton

#Gravitas The U.S. Senate has confirmed U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee, Jay Clayton, as the country's director of national intelligence, handing him one of the most powerful national security roles in America.

Ukraine says cannot go 'punch for punch' against Russia

Ukraine cannot go "punch for punch" when confronting Russia militarily but must use resources ‌carefully and act in an "asymmetric" fashion, Ukraine's new acting defence minister said in an interview published early on Wednesday. Yevhenii Khmara gave the interview with right-wing U.S. blogger Laura Loomer in Kyiv, his first after his appointment as acting minister last week.

Iran's AI breakthrough amid war: New Indigenous system boosts oil recovery by 59%

Amid the West Asia war, Iran's oil and gas industry remains resilient using artificial intelligence to boost output. For instance, Iranian researchers have developed an indigenous smart production management system. This can help boost oil recovery by 59%.