India's Unified Payments Interface, better known as UPI, has completed a decade of transforming the way people pay. What began as a domestic digital payments platform has grown into one of the world's largest real-time payment networks, processing billions of transactions every month. From roadside vendors and small businesses to international partnerships, UPI has reshaped India's financial ecosystem and become a global benchmark for digital payments. As UPI turns 10, this report explores its remarkable journey, the numbers behind its success and how India's fintech innovation is influencing payment systems worldwide.

10 Years Of UPI: From India’s Streets To The World 

Operation Sindoor proved India's Akash system in combat. Patriot missiles are in short supply. 
Ukraine urgently wants more Patriot missile batteries. Now America is rebuilding its arsenal which has been severely depleted during the Iran war. The Akash Missile System is an indigenous, mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile defence system developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation. This short explainer shows how Akash’s networked radars, mobile launchers and dual-mode seekers offer affordable, scalable defence against missiles, drones and low-orbit threats. Watch the video to know why nations are lining up for Aakash and how drone swarms forced a rethink in layered air defence.

How Akash became the world's most wanted air-defence system 

India's gig economy is expanding rapidly, creating new opportunities in sectors ranging from food delivery and ride-hailing to beauty and home services. But while platform-based work promises flexibility and income generation, a growing gender gap remains a major challenge. Studies show women continue to face barriers including safety concerns, limited access to opportunities, lower earnings and higher dropout rates. As India's gig workforce grows into a major pillar of the economy, questions remain about whether the benefits are being shared equally. This report examines the challenges facing women in the gig economy and what can be done to bridge the gap.


India’s gig boom leaves women behind

A study has named India the country where most snake attacks happen every year. According to scientists from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, around 2.1 to 7 million people are bitten by snakes in a year, with India being the world's snake attack capital, with up to 1.3 million cases. Nigeria is second with 666,000 cases, Indonesia 490,000, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 467,000 snake attacks in a year.&nbsp;The mortality rate was highest in low-income countries, with sub–Saharan Africa accounting for 45 per cent of global snake bites and related deaths. This is nearly three times the incidence observed in South Asia, the researchers said. They added that the findings show that the previous estimates were extremely toned down and not correct.&nbsp;Lead author Dileepa Ediriweera called Snake envenoming (SE) an important public health problem in the study published in PLOS Medicine. Several cases of snake bites and creatures swallowing humans have been reported in the past, with a few from last year and this year. However, estimating their number has remained a challenge. For the study, the researchers reviewed data on snake bites from 79 countries between January 2007 and March 2025. &nbsp;

Map showing snake attack estimates in the world

<h2>Snake attacks - Countries in top 20</h2>Their analysis showed that between 2.1 and 7 million snake attacks happen each year, 75 per cent of which occurred in just 20 countries. India is top of their list, as they noted that between 409,000 and 1.3 million attacks take place every year. In Nigeria, the second-placed country, the number of incidents stood between 198,000 and 666,000. Brazil (48,000–162,000), Vietnam (33,500–113,000), and China (28,900–97,400) were also in the Top 20 list.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/23ft-python-swallows-man-returning-from-party-in-indonesia-1785404766607">23ft python swallows man returning from party in Indonesia; family find body whole inside reptile</a><h2>Deaths from snake attacks</h2>Fatalities from these incidents stood between 274,000 and 513,000 every year overall. But the researchers clarified that the figures are likely conservative and the caseload and resulting deaths could be much higher. "The true burden may be substantially higher, potentially up to three times greater for envenomings and twice as high for mortality," they wrote in the study.

India tops the list for the number of snake attacks in the world in a year, according to an analysis. Researchers studied data from 2007 to March 2025 and pegged the caseload in India at over a million. The majority of cases were limited to just 20 countries.

A study has named India the country where most snake attacks happen every year. According to scientists from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, around 2.1 to 7 million people are bitten by snakes in a year, with India being the world's snake attack capital, with up to 1.3 million cases. Nigeria is second with 666,000 cases, Indonesia 490,000, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 467,000 snake attacks in a year. The mortality rate was highest in low-income countries, with sub–Saharan Africa accounting for 45 per cent of global snake bites and related deaths. This is nearly three times the incidence observed in South Asia, the researchers said. They added that the findings show that the previous estimates were extremely toned down and not correct. Lead author Dileepa Ediriweera called Snake envenoming (SE) an important public health problem in the study published in PLOS Medicine. Several cases of snake bites and creatures swallowing humans have been reported in the past, with a few from last year and this year. However, estimating their number has remained a challenge. For the study, the researchers reviewed data on snake bites from 79 countries between January 2007 and March 2025.

India tops the list for the number of snake attacks in the world in a year, according to an analysis. Researchers studied data from 2007 to March 2025 and pegged the caseload in India at over a million. The majority of cases were limited to just 20 countries.

India tops list of most snake attacks in the world with 1.3mn cases every year, study finds

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal appeared to take a veiled swipe at China while courting Japanese investors in Tokyo, using the case of Alibaba founder Jack Ma to highlight India's business environment. Goyal said entrepreneurs in India do not have to worry about "disappearing one day" and later emerging as professors at a Japanese university—a remark widely interpreted as a reference to Ma, who vanished from public view for months after criticizing Chinese regulators in 2020. Goyal used the example to pitch India as a stable destination where entrepreneurship is celebrated, intellectual property is protected and data security is respected.


Piyush Goyal alludes to Jack Ma's 'disappearance' while pitching to Japanese investor 

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing for the 25th round of Special Representative talks on the boundary question. The discussions focused on maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), strengthening confidence-building measures and advancing the gradual normalization of bilateral ties.


NSA Ajit Doval holds key talks with China's Wang Yi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of DRDO-developed technologies for conventional missile systems to Indian defence companies. The move aims to accelerate domestic missile production, reduce import dependence and strengthen India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.

India: Defence minister approves technology transfer for conventional missiles 

NSA Ajit Doval meets China's foreign minister Wang Yi

As high-intensity conflicts in US-Iran war and Russia-Ukraine war drain Western Patriot stocks, military planners face an urgent missile crisis. Discover how India's combat-proven Akash missile system proved its lethality in Operation Sindoor, breaking the cycle of expensive interceptors and rewriting the manual against massed drone swarms and precision missile threats.


India's Akash vs America's Patriot | Made in India Akash missile system generates global interest

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) have raised concern over reports of human rights violations against a vast segment of people in India, including scheduled tribes, scheduled castes, particularly Dalits, and Rohingya Refugees. The report highlights the urgent need for action against “hate speech” and “hate crime” in India. The report further noted that there had been an increase in law enforcement operations targetting since a Union Home Ministry order in 2017 and the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.“The committee was gravely concerned about reports of large-scale violations perpetrated by law enforcement officials against ethnic and ethno-religious groups, indigenous and tribal people, including Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, particularly Dalits, and non-citizens,” the report read.“These included racially motivated violence, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and prolonged detention without due process, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence,” it added. The report highlights racial profiling by law enforcement resulting in detentions and arbitrary arrest.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-debt-crosses-40-trillion-china-mocks-washington-1787667699241">Watch | China mocks Washington's $40 trillion 'Frankenstein Monster'</a>There are also concerns related to deportation, forcible return of individuals in need of international protection, which violates the principle of non-refoulement. The committee called on India to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into all such allegations and ensure accountability for those responsible.&nbsp;India appeared before UNCERD earlier this month for the first time since 2007, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta leading its delegation. India's mission defended its position during the review, highlighting constitutional safeguards, legal frameworks, and vast pluralistic diversity and reiterated its commitment "towards ensuring equality, dignity and opportunity for all Indians”.UN CERD is a panel of 18 independent rights experts that monitors compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by the 182 countries that are party to it. The opinion and recommendation are non-binding but carry significant reputational weight.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UN committee UNCERD raised concerns over alleged human rights violations, hate speech and hate crimes targeting Dalits, tribal communities and refugees in India.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) have raised concern over reports of human rights violations against a vast segment of people in India, including scheduled tribes, scheduled castes, particularly Dalits, and Rohingya Refugees. The report highlights the urgent need for action against “hate speech” and “hate crime” in India. The report further noted that there had been an increase in law enforcement operations targetting since a Union Home Ministry order in 2017 and the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. “The committee was gravely concerned about reports of large-scale violations perpetrated by law enforcement officials against ethnic and ethno-religious groups, indigenous and tribal people, including Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, particularly Dalits, and non-citizens,” the report read. “These included racially motivated violence, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and prolonged detention without due process, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence,” it added. The report highlights racial profiling by law enforcement resulting in detentions and arbitrary arrest. Also Read: Watch | China mocks Washington's $40 trillion 'Frankenstein Monster' There are also concerns related to deportation, forcible return of individuals in need of international protection, which violates the principle of non-refoulement. The committee called on India to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into all such allegations and ensure accountability for those responsible. India appeared before UNCERD earlier this month for the first time since 2007, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta leading its delegation. India's mission defended its position during the review, highlighting constitutional safeguards, legal frameworks, and vast pluralistic diversity and reiterated its commitment "towards ensuring equality, dignity and opportunity for all Indians”. UN CERD is a panel of 18 independent rights experts that monitors compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by the 182 countries that are party to it. The opinion and recommendation are non-binding but carry significant reputational weight.

UN committee UNCERD raised concerns over alleged human rights violations, hate speech and hate crimes targeting Dalits, tribal communities and refugees in India.

UNCERD raises concerns over human rights violations against SC, ST and Rohingya

Breaking: Wang Yi hails ties, says India-China relations globally significant 

Operation Sindoor thrust India's Akash missile system into the spotlight, showcasing the indigenous air-defence platform in a live combat environment. As countries grapple with missile threats, drone swarms and shortages of advanced systems such as the Patriot, India's defence industry is emerging as an increasingly attractive alternative. Backed by Vision 2030, New Delhi is building a mature defence-industrial complex, with production crossing $18 billion and exports reaching more than 80 countries. From Akash and Pinaka to advanced drones, radars and electronic warfare systems, India is rapidly transitioning from one of the world's largest arms importers to a significant exporter of next-generation military technology.

India's defence revolution: How Akash is driving a global military push

Operation Sindoor proved India's Akash system in combat. Patriot missiles are in short supply. Ukraine urgently wants more Patriot missile batteries. Now America is rebuilding its arsenal which has been severely depleted during the Iran war. The Akash Missile System is an indigenous, mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile defence system developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation. This short explainer shows how Akash’s networked radars, mobile launchers and dual-mode seekers offer affordable, scalable defence against missiles, drones and low-orbit threats. Watch the video to know why nations are lining up for Aakash and how drone swarms forced a rethink in layered air defence.

How Akash became the world's most wanted air-defence system

Vision 2030s: India's path to a mature defence complex 

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's possible visit to India for the BRICS Summit in September, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing for a key two-day visit. He will hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the border issue.

NSA Ajit Doval & Wang Yi hold India-China border talks

India has launched its first indigenous, non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed varieties, Krisna459 and Godari234, in Andhra Pradesh’s Eluru district. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan unveiled the new seeds at the Gourmet Popcornica facility in Musunuru on August 24. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Governor S. Abdul Nazeer were also present at the launch.

Big step towards making popcorn truly 'Made in India' 

Indian NSA in Beijing: Border talks in China ahead of Xi's possible India visit

India’s defense manufacturing sector is experiencing a historic surge, transforming the nation from one of the world's largest defense importers into a major global defense exporter. Driven by the "Make in India" initiative and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) policies, advanced indigenous defense systems—ranging from the Tejas fighter jet and Akash missile systems to artillery guns, radar systems, and naval hardware—are rapidly gaining traction among international buyers.


India's indigenous weapons storm the global market

Delhi has issued a public health advisory following a sharp rise in reported H1N1 swine flu infections as seasonal influenza spreads across the capital.

According to the figures cited in the report, confirmed H1N1 cases in Delhi have crossed 1,700 this year, with more than 110 infections reportedly recorded in a single day. The city has also reported more than 2,300 cases of influenza A, with H1N1 emerging as the dominant flu strain this season.

Health authorities have advised residents to take precautions, particularly in crowded and poorly ventilated areas. People have been urged to wear masks, maintain respiratory hygiene, wash their hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact with people showing flu-like symptoms.

H1N1 cases soar in Delhi, Bengaluru as health alert intensifies

In this special story of WION's brand new show Defence Pulse we break down India's explosive transition from the world's top arms importer to a powerhouse weapons exporter. Watch how Armenia is closing in on 50 Pralay ballistic missiles, why Egypt is considering the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system over the American HIMARS, and how Indonesia became the latest customer for the lethal BrahMos cruise missile. Discover the full scale of New Delhi’s expanding military footprint across Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.


Indian 'HIMARS' Pinaka in high demand | Egypt, Armenia, Indonesia rush for Indian missiles

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's possible visit to India for the BRICS Summit in September, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing for a key two-day visit. He will hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the border issue.


Ajit Doval to hold border talks in China ahead of Xi's possible India visit

India's defence exports are gaining momentum as countries increasingly show interest in its indigenous weapon systems. Armenia is reportedly looking at the Pralay missile, while Egypt is evaluating the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher. The growing international demand highlights India's emergence as a major defence manufacturer and exporter. With comparisons being drawn between Pinaka and the U.S.-made HIMARS system, India's homegrown firepower is attracting attention in an increasingly competitive global arms market.


Pinaka vs HIMARS: India enters the global rocket race 

India's indigenous weapons go global | World powers line up for India's homegrown firepower

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on August 24 for a two-day visit to hold the 25th round of Special Representatives’ talks on the India-China boundary question. Doval is set to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as the two sides continue discussions on resolving outstanding border issues and maintaining stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

25th round of border talks to commence as Ajit Doval visits Beijing

Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he expects to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. During a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Moscow, Putin also praised Modi’s role in strengthening India-Russia ties and offered to increase uninterrupted fertiliser supplies to support Indian farmers

Putin confirms meeting with PM Modi, pledges more fertiliser for India

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the MEA had requested “no questions” from the press ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump’s meeting at the G7 Summit in France. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said discussions around media arrangements and public appearances are standard protocol ahead of high-level VVIP visits.

Gor's comment on Indian delegation gets response from MEA

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar travelled to Moscow for a two-day visit, co-chairing the 27th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission with First Deputy PM Denis Manturov, and holding talks with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on regional and global issues. The visit comes as India prepares to host Russian President Vladimir Putin for his expected visit next month around the BRICS Summit.


Breaking: Jaishankar meets Putin in Moscow ahead of his expected India visit for BRICS

A 28-year-old Indian national from Punjab's Kapurthala district, Gurdeep Singh, was fatally shot in Brooklyn, New York, during a suspected robbery attempt while out on a late-night pizza delivery. Singh, who moved to the United States years ago to support his family back home, was rushed to a local hospital with multiple gunshot wounds where he was pronounced dead.


Punjab man shot dead while delivering pizza in US, family mourns tragic loss

India's space program has long been praised for delivering ambitious missions at comparatively low costs. But as global competition in the space sector intensifies, questions are emerging about the true economics of satellite launches and space exploration. How do Indian launch vehicles compare with those developed in the United States and other major space powers? As commercial space companies expand and governments invest heavily in next-generation capabilities, the debate over cost efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness is gaining momentum. This report examines the numbers behind space launches and whether India's reputation for low-cost space missions still holds true today.


Are Indian rockets too expensive? Why ISRO costs more than SpaceX

India is witnessing a significant shift in healthcare behavior as more people embrace preventive wellness over reactive treatment. Rising awareness about lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart-related conditions, is encouraging individuals to undergo regular health screenings and diagnostic tests. Industry data shows preventive health checkups are growing rapidly across urban and semi-urban regions, reflecting a broader cultural transformation in healthcare priorities. Experts believe early detection and routine monitoring can reduce long-term medical costs and improve quality of life. What is driving India's wellness revolution, and how could it reshape the country's healthcare landscape in the years ahead?

Healthcare and lifestyle: India shifts from illness to wellness

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has arrived in Beijing to hold high-stakes negotiations with Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi for the 25th round of Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary dispute.

NSA Ajit Doval to meet Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi

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