India floods and landslides kill at least 19
Srinagar, India: Flash floods and landslides caused by monsoon rains killed at least 19 people in India on Sunday, officials and local media said, as authorities mounted rescue operations in affected regions. Eight people were killed in the northeastern state of Nagaland, next to Myanmar, while 11 »»»
Can Kerala become India’s maritime gateway?
For decades, Kerala has lived with a contradiction. It has one of India’s most educated workforces, strong human development indicators and a location along one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Yet when large manufacturers looked to expand, the state often lost out because of concerns over l»»»
Kerala declares holiday for students as football fever peaks
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s passion for football reached a new high on Sunday as the state government declared a holiday on Monday for all educational institutions, allowing students to stay up and watch the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina without worrying about attending classes »»»
Wife says India illegally detaining hunger strike activist
New Delhi: The wife of an Indian hunger strike activist taken to hospital against his will accused the government on Sunday of "illegal detention" disguised as medical care. Police cited a court order and "deteriorating health condition" on Saturday when they picked up Sonam Wangchuk, who had refus»»»
Sindhu wins Japan Open to end title drought
Tokyo: Indian badminton star Pusarla Venkata Sindhu ended a title drought of almost two years at the Japan Open on Sunday and said winning would give her "a lot of confidence". Sindhu, a world champion in 2019 and Olympic silver medallist in 2016, beat Japan's Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in Tokyo »»»
Tanzanian-flagged tanker from Yemen hijacked by suspected Somali pirates
A Tanzanian-flagged tanker was hijacked by suspected Somali pirates off Yemen's coast, security sources and local officials familiar with the incident said Sunday. The commercial tanker has since been moved to waters off Somalia's northeastern Bari region, according local officials. The MT ASANA, a»»»
Democrats oppose Lindsey Graham’s Sanctioning Russia Act
Democratic lawmakers have urged Congress to block a sweeping Russia sanctions bill championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, warning that it would raise prices for American consumers. The revised Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 was introduced in the Senate on Thursday, days after Graham died. T»»»
Over 108,000 Foreign Workers Enter Bulgaria’s Labor Market Amid Record Low UnemploymentOpinions
Bulgaria has increasingly turned to foreign workers as businesses struggle to find enough employees, with more than 108,000 citizens from countries outside the European Union gaining access to the labor market over the past three years, Labor and Social Policy Minister Natalia Efremova said. The de»»»
Flight cancelled? Know your rights before claiming: India’s Aviation Ministry issues advisory
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, has issued a passenger advisory reminding travellers about their rights when flights are cancelled. The ministry said flight disruptions can happen, but passengers should understand the support and compensation they may be eligible to receive. Ge»»»
On This Day, July 19: Sainthia, India, train collision kills dozens - UPI.com
On July 19, 2010, a speeding express train slammed into the rear of a train preparing to leave a West Bengal station in India, killing more than 60 people and injuring about 100 others. 1 of 5 | Members of the emergency services work at the site of a train accident near Sainthia station in India on»»»
Submerged treasures tell story of Umluj shipwreck and Red Sea trade
JEDDAH: A shipwreck off Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast has become a window into centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange, with artifacts from the site featured in the “Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea” exhibition at the Red Sea Museum in Historic Jeddah. The exhibition,»»»
Faith vs therapy: Inside the Philippine school for exorcists
MANILA: Asia’s only dedicated exorcism center — designed to train not only Philippine priests but clergy from across the region — sits just off a busy thoroughfare in Metro Manila. Inside, neatly made-up rooms for visiting priests line warmly lit halls that lead to a chapel where the 400-year-old r»»»
From founder formation to exits: where MENA’s venture capital journey needs to go next
RIYADH: Venture capital across the Middle East and North Africa has been trapped in a paradox: more money, more international attention and more government-backed ambition, yet still a market that looks small beside the economies it is meant to help transform. Startups in the region raised $3.8 bil»»»
India Achieves Major Breakthrough With Its First Private Orbital Rocket
Startup Skyroot Aerospace has successfully launched India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1. A key feature is its all-carbon composite structure, which makes it significantly lighter and more efficient than traditional rockets. Its upper stage is powered by a 3D-printed eng»»»
Indian activist on hunger strike for 20 days taken to hospital
Police in India have forcibly taken an activist to hospital after a 20-day hunger strike protesting the country's examination system. The case has drawn widespread attention and renewed debate over education reforms and the handling of public protests. France 24 correspondent Navodita Kumari report»»»
Police shift fasting Indian activist to hospital against his will
NEW DELHI: Authorities in India’s capital Delhi moved social activist Sonam Wangchuk to hospital against his wish on Saturday, after his condition worsened on the 21st day of a hunger strike launched to demand the resignation of the federal education minister. Wangchuk, 59, had been fasting since J»»»
Why Argentina are the World Cup’s favorite villains
NEW YORK: For some fans following this World Cup, the calculation has been simple: support whoever is playing against Argentina. Across the tournament, that has meant wearing the green of Algeria, the blue of Cape Verde, or the red of Switzerland. Even the often maligned England got a boost in glo»»»
India’s space unicorn aces first private orbital rocket launch
NEW DELHI: India’s space startup Skyroot Aerospace completed its first orbital flight on Saturday, making India the third country in the world with a private company capable of such a feat. The Vikram-1 rocket lifted off at 12.05 p.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, an island of»»»
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Package Visa puts visitor convenience first
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia has launched the pilot phase of its new Tourism Package Visa, allowing visitors to obtain an electronic visa as part of a single package that includes flights, accommodation and insurance booked through authorized travel providers. The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of »»»
72nd National Film Awards winners: Indian cinema’s top honours announced
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi on Saturday, honouring the best of Indian cinema from 2024. Films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2024, were eligible for this year’s awards. An 11-member jury hea»»»
India successfully launches first private orbital rocket
Sriharikota, India: India's first privately built orbital rocket took its maiden flight on Saturday, its builder said, marking a significant step for the South Asian giant as it eyes a bigger slice of the global space economy. "Hello space, we have arrived!" Skyroot Aerospace said in a post on X. "»»»
Watch: India's first private orbital rocket Vikram-1 blasts off
New Delhi: India scripted a historic chapter in its space journey on Saturday as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, under Mission Aagaman, making India only the third nation after the United States and China to h»»»
Indian activist moved to hospital after 20-day hunger strike
New Delhi, India: New Delhi police moved activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital on Saturday over health concerns after a 20-day hunger strike in protest against India's examination system. Wangchuk, 59, has been fasting since June 28 to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan»»»
UN to add more world heritage sites 'in danger' over war and climate
Paris: The United Nations looks set to list a Biblical site, Lebanese castles, an antelope migration path and the world's deepest lake as world treasures under threat, including from war or climate change. The 196 members states of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisatio»»»
Who is Sonam Wangchuk? Activist hospitalised after 20-day hunger strike
Delhi police forcibly moved activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital on Saturday over health concerns after 20 days of his hunger strike to protest against India's examination system. Wangchuk, 59, has been fasting since June 28 to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over a»»»
Rare 19th-century panel displayed at Red Sea Museum features complete Quranic text
JEDDAH: A rare 19th-century Quranic calligraphy panel is on display at the Red Sea Museum in Historic Jeddah. Created around 1859–1860 CE by Ghouth Mahboob Ghalib in Mysore, India, the single-page artwork features the entire text of the Holy Quran arranged within a detailed illustration of the Gran»»»
Nicaragua severs ties with Italy over terror fugitive - UPI.com
Former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro is shown in 1978 after he was kidnapped by far-left Brigade Rosse (Red Brigades) movement. ANSA files/EPA July 17 (UPI) -- Nicaragua has severed diplomatic relations with Italy after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani renewed calls for the extradition of»»»
Russia receives first Kazakhstan gasoline shipment, sources say
MOSCOW: Kazakhstan exported its first gasoline cargo to Russia in July, supplying about 1,000 metric tons to one of the regions in Central Russia, industry sources said. Russia is facing gasoline shortages after increased Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries across the country, p»»»
Rejected marriage proposal sparks kidnapping and torture in Kerala
A father's refusal to accept a marriage proposal for his daughter allegedly led to a brutal attack in Kerala, where he and his son were kidnapped, held captive and tortured by a group of men. According to media reports, the incident took place at Nagaroor near Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district»»»
Pakistani troops kill 24 militants in raids as violence escalates in region near Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces raided multiple militant hideouts in the country’s northwest region, killing Pakistani Taliban and seizing a cache of weapons, the military and local officials said. The military said Friday it used intelligence sources to target militants in operations carried »»»
India government challenges Delhi HC ruling on consular, passport and visa outsourcing services
The India government on Friday approached the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court's decision to cancel the technical evaluation process for outsourcing Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services at Indian missions in UAE, Kuwait, Singapore and Canberra. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mention»»»
India debuts first indigenous, hydrogen-powered train in clean energy push
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the country’s first hydrogen-powered train on Friday, making the country one of just a handful which have adopted the zero-emissions, clean fuel technology. Developed by state-owned Indian Railways, the blue trainset uses hydrogen fuel cells t»»»
Pakistan denies reports of Islamabad blocking Afghanistan’s membership in SCO
ISLAMABAD/KABUL: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected allegations of Islamabad opposing Afghanistan’s bid for full membership on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, following reports that Kabul’s participation was stalled by a member of the region’s most powerful bloc. Founded in »»»
Modi Launches India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train - Reports
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated on Friday in a launching ceremony of the country's first hydrogen-powered train, Indian media reported. The train took off from the Jind station in the state of Haryana, the state-run All India Radio News reported. The train is the first in India to »»»
Bomb threat note found on IndiGo flight before take-off
An IndiGo flight bound for Ahmedabad was delayed by more than five hours after a hoax bomb threat was discovered on board the aircraft at Bengaluru airport on Thursday evening. Flight 6E 6423 had been scheduled to depart Bengaluru for Ahmedabad at 8pm but was immediately grounded after a threatenin»»»
UAE residents' update: Iran-US strikes, Gulf states targeted, tanker hit, flight updates and travel advisories
The US and Iran exchanged fresh strikes on Friday, with attacks reported across the Gulf region, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan. UAE residents are advised to follow official updates, check travel notices and avoid sharing unverified information. Get updated faster and for FREE: Downloa»»»
India launches first hydrogen-powered train in clean energy push
Jind, India: India launched its first hydrogen-powered train Friday, joining a small group of nations testing the technology as part of efforts to decarbonise rail transport and cut dependence on fossil fuels. The project is part of a broader push to modernise one of the world's largest rail networ»»»
How AI and satellites help fight wildfires
BusinessGlobal issuesHow AI and satellites help fight wildfiresInsa WredeWildfires are currently raging in Europe, Canada, and elsewhere. To successfully fight these fires, speed is essential. Early detection from space and AI-powered data analysis can help. https://p.dw.com/p/5H8eLMunich-based sta»»»
Media Review: July 17
POLITICS In an op-ed entitled "What is Bulgaria's place, Mr Radev?" and published by Capital, Alexander Detev comments on Prime Minister Rumen Radev's statement that Bulgaria will not join the Coalition of the Willing supporting Ukraine. Radev argued that lasting peace should be achieved through di»»»
US strikes bridges, collapses tower at key port as its Iran campaign expands
The United States expanded its airstrike campaign against Iran early Friday by hitting more bridges, electrical equipment and collapsing a tower at a key Iranian port, part of U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to start striking infrastructure to pressure Tehran to ease its chokehold on the Stra»»»
India launches first hydrogen-powered train in clean energy push: What to know
India launched its first hydrogen-powered train Friday, joining a small group of nations testing the technology as part of efforts to decarbonise rail transport and cut dependence on fossil fuels. The project is part of a broader push to modernise one of the world's largest rail networks while redu»»»
Australia protests Laos response to 2024 tainted alcohol deaths
Australia denounced Laos' response to a 2024 tainted alcohol poisoning that killed six tourists, saying Friday it is "bitterly disappointed" the country is not pressing stronger charges. Canberra summoned the Laos ambassador and dispatched an envoy to Laos to convey the government's objections and »»»
UAE travel update: Abha flights remain suspended, Etihad delays Toronto service, airlines issue fresh advisories
Dubai: Travellers flying between the UAE and southern Saudi Arabia are facing ongoing disruption, with flights to and from Abha International Airport suspended for a fourth consecutive day on Friday, despite much of the airport's domestic schedule still operating. Passengers travelling on routes be»»»
A key Iran port hit: New image shows damage at key Chabahar port tower after strikes
The US expanded its airstrike campaign against Iran on Friday, targeting infrastructure including bridges and a key port facility as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continued to escalate. A surveillance tower at Iran’s Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman appeared to collapse after repeated US stri»»»
Turkish-Israeli rivalry could determine the new Middle East
Türkiye first recognised Israel in 1949, shortly after Zionist leaders like David Ben-Gurion proclaimed a Jewish state in Palestine. In so doing, it became the first Muslim-majority nation to do so (Iran was the second, its recognition coming in 1950). Six decades later, trade was booming and relat»»»
'Avoid deploying Indian seafarers' through Hormuz, advises DGMA
New Delhi: Amid continuing attacks on merchant vessels and the heightened security situation in the Gulf, India's Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has advised ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies to avoid deploying Indian sea»»»
16 hours of study, one big dream: How Aryan Gupta secured NEET UG 2026 with 715/720
For Aryan Gupta, securing the top rank in NEET UG 2026 is not just an academic achievement — it is the first step towards fulfilling a deeply personal mission. The 17-year-old from Ludhiana secured All India Rank (AIR) 1 after scoring 715 marks out of 720, sharing the highest score nationally with »»»
Global energy security at risk if Strait of Hormuz does not open in weeks, IEA chief says
WASHINGTON: If the US and Iran do not increase oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz soon, the world should worry about energy security, International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol said on Thursday. “Oil security is still a critical issue,” Birol told a Council on Foreign Relatio»»»
China overtakes US in global favorability – Pew
China and President Xi Jinping are now viewed more favorably than the US and Donald Trump across most of the world, a new Pew Research Center survey spanning six continents has found. Pew says China enjoys a more positive image than the US in 25 of the 36 countries and territories surveyed, includi»»»
India-UK trade pact takes effect, cut tariffs, boosts services firms
Agencies New Delhi India and Britain’s trade pact took effect on Wednesday, cutting tariffs on thousands of goods and expanding market access for services firms and professionals in both countries. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement gives Indian exporters duty-free access to mo»»»