Chinese President Xi Jinping called for global collaboration in artificial intelligence development, emphasising a "symphony of global collaboration" over a "solo performance" by any single nation. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Xi highlighted the need for ethical AI governance, shared prosperity, and addressing challenges like the widening digital divide. He also announced China's commitment to support developing countries with 5,000 AI research projects and training programmes. The event also saw 29 countries sign an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai.
The Sports Ministry has approved a 191-member Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, comprising 126 athletes and 51 officials. The Ministry has stipulated that expenses for Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Executive Committee members will not be covered by the government. Additionally, National Sports Federations are required to conduct background checks on their contingents, and a performance report must be submitted post-Games.
Indian para swimmer Tejas Nandakumar has been ruled out of the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games due to a classification issue. His entry, initially accepted, was later rejected by organisers after a validation process by World Para Athletics, citing his R-2025 class status as ineligible for the G2026 competition.
Legendary Indian sprinter and Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards. Other recipients included Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, Bahadur Singh Chauhan, and Anju Bobby George, recognising their significant contributions to Indian athletics.
The United States' World Cup campaign took an extraordinary turn on Sunday when FIFA made the unprecedented decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's automatic red-card ban, clearing the striker to face Belgium in Monday's last-16 clash after US President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.
Researchers have analysed reports of medical procedures involving electrical stimulation of awake patients' brains, identifying distinct brain regions responsible for spontaneous and voluntary laughter. This study sheds light on the complex neural mechanisms underlying human laughter, distinguishing between uncontrollable, emotionally charged laughter and controlled, conversational laughter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand culminated in the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with a focus on doubling trade and enhancing cooperation in sports and the Indo-Pacific region. Modi and his counterpart Christopher Luxon attended a sports showcase, acknowledging a century of sporting ties and discussing future collaborations, including India's preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2030. The visit also saw 18 concrete outcomes and 10 agreements signed, alongside discussions with business leaders.
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon, along with two Russian cosmonauts, has embarked on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft. This marks Menon's first spaceflight, where he will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations focused on human space exploration, microgravity effects, and in-space production of advanced materials.
The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has been officially recognised by the FIVB as India's first division professional volleyball league, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. This recognition allows PVL clubs to compete in international tournaments and aligns the league with global standards. The fifth season of PVL is scheduled to begin on November 30, with a players' auction on August 17 in Goa. This development is expected to further strengthen Indian volleyball's performance on the international stage.
Police investigating the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya have requested seven-day custody for two jailed accused, Ram Shankar Yadav and Subhash Srivastava. This request follows new disclosures that necessitate further verification and recovery of evidence. The court is set to hear the remand application on July 14, as investigators scrutinise financial transactions and property purchases to trace the diverted funds.
Anil Menon, a NASA astronaut of Indian descent, is embarking on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station. A former US Space Force colonel and emergency medicine physician, Menon will conduct vital experiments on the physiological effects of long-duration spaceflight, develop in-space medical technologies, and research semiconductor crystal production, contributing significantly to future deep-space missions and advanced technology.
Real estate startup Landeed plans to invest Rs 30 crore this fiscal year to expand its business, focusing on enhancing its AI-powered property title search engine, Terra. This investment will boost GPU infrastructure, develop specialised language models, and improve Indic OCR for Indian property records, aiming to streamline property due diligence across 26 states and 4 union territories.
Former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra has written to the Sports Ministry, SAI, and IOA, alleging institutional protection of sexual harassment and intimidation of women athletes within the sport. She claims she faced threats and a smear campaign after raising concerns about an individual, Sudhir Gola, and has accused Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh of threatening her. Singh denies the allegations, linking them to upcoming elections, while Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has acknowledged Lakra's concerns and promised an amicable resolution.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is conducting an ISSF 'B' judges course for rifle and pistol disciplines in Surajkund, bringing together 31 technical officials. The programme, led by international and Indian experts, aims to enhance officiating knowledge and skills according to the latest ISSF rules, contributing significantly to the development of shooting sport in India.
The Bombay High Court has upheld the Wrestling Federation of India's decision to cancel the affiliation of the Maharashtra State Wrestling Association (MSWA), led by Sharad Pawar. The MSWA had challenged the WFI's move, arguing it was illegal and arbitrary.
India's top fencer Bhavani Devi has issued an unconditional apology and appealed for the reconsideration of her two-month suspension, which was imposed after she received a Black Card at the Asian Fencing Championships. The Fencing Association of India supports her appeal, highlighting her clean disciplinary record and the upcoming World Championships.
Despite not winning a medal at the recently-concluded Asian Senior Fencing Championships, India's men's foil team secured direct qualification for the upcoming Asian Games, marking a significant step forward for the sport in the country. The event, hosted in India for the first time, provided valuable experience and highlighted the growing competitiveness of Indian fencers against top Asian nations.
Researchers at IIT-Guwahati have identified a type of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) that can effectively remove lead from contaminated water. The study highlights the role of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by the algae in absorbing lead, with laboratory experiments showing up to 66.2% removal. This discovery offers a promising, naturally abundant solution for water purification, though further validation is needed before commercial application.
India's top fencer, Bhavani Devi, has issued an unconditional apology and appealed the two-month suspension she received after being shown a Black Card at the Asian Fencing Championships. The Fencing Association of India is supporting her appeal to the FIE, citing her clean disciplinary record and the upcoming World Championships.
Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra's foundation has partnered with the Indian Olympic Association to launch an anti-doping education campaign for athletes, addressing the issue of quick success and contaminated supplements.
Delhi Police have arrested three individuals, including a juvenile, for allegedly setting three two-wheelers on fire in Jahangirpuri. The arson was reportedly an act of revenge following an earlier altercation involving the juvenile.
The tax treatment of equity savings funds makes them appealing, especially to investors in higher income-tax brackets.
A recent study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has identified self-fertilisation, or uniparental reproduction, as a critical trait enabling plants to become invasive. Researchers examined 28 species from the daisy family, finding that all 11 invasive species studied could reproduce uniparentally, unlike most native and non-invasive alien species. This ability allows a single plant to establish new populations, displacing local flora and altering ecosystems, highlighting the importance of reproductive strategy in weed-risk assessment.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from various organisations to conceptualise, develop, and manage a new professional badminton league in India. The initiative aims to create a sustainable league structure focused on commercialisation, fan engagement, and long-term growth of the sport. Interested parties must demonstrate strong financial capability and experience in managing sports leagues, with proposals due by June 30.
Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne acknowledges the tight schedule between the World Cup and Asian Games but expresses confidence in the team's ability to manage the physical demands. Former captain MM Somaya also highlighted the importance of the World Cup as preparation for the Asian Games, where a gold medal secures a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Nine individuals from Manipur were arrested in Mizoram's Aizawl district with 740 gm of heroin, seized during a joint operation by the Excise and Narcotics Department, Assam Rifles, and CYMA. The drugs were found concealed in soap cases, and the accused have been booked under the NDPS Act.
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran has urged the industry to invest in skilling, capability development, and innovation to counter the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, particularly for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). He noted that while the government has supported GCCs through Budget measures like simplifying transfer pricing and promoting expansion into tier-II/III cities, industry must move beyond low-cost execution to thrive in an an AI-driven landscape. Nageswaran emphasised that AI displaces routine tasks, necessitating a focus on higher-value work and continuous skill enhancement to maintain India's competitive edge.
The Indian government has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, introducing stricter regulations for NGOs receiving foreign funds. Key changes include mandatory selection of predefined purposes and areas of operation, restrictions on foreign nationals as key functionaries, and explicit exclusion of proselytisation from certain faith-based activities. The amendments also introduce minimum spending limits, enhanced financial accountability, and increased transparency requirements, including social media disclosure and ultimate donor identification.
An Home Loan Protection Plan repays the outstanding loan if the borrower dies or suffers a covered disability.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has appointed Greek tactician Panagiotis Dilmperis as their new head coach on a one-year contract. Known for his attacking yet balanced style and ability to blend youth with experience, Dilmperis aims to build a disciplined and courageous side to compete for all trophies, acknowledging the high expectations and the significance of the Kolkata Derby.
Ace Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was awarded 'Best Male Athlete of the Year 2025' at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards. Chopra expressed his emotional connection to the award, given in the presence of multiple generations of athletes. The ceremony also honoured Parul Chaudhary as Best Female Athlete and P T Usha with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising significant contributions to Indian athletics.
The Delhi High Court has reaffirmed the All India Tennis Association's (AITA) General Body's authority in amending its constitution, directing that proposed changes be put to a clause-by-clause vote by members. This interim order modifies a single judge's ruling, ensuring the federation's democratic processes are maintained while complying with new sports governance laws, with fresh elections mandated by September 30.
A notorious criminal, Prafulla Mallik alias Pappu, was injured in a gunfight with police in Odisha's Bhadrak district during a raid on his hideout. Pappu, who has around 25 criminal cases against him, opened fire on the police team before being shot in the leg.
Punjab Police arrested two individuals in Bathinda, seizing two country-made .32 bore pistols and five live cartridges. The accused are linked to a criminal network operated by a jailed gangster and have a history of involvement in serious crimes, including attempt to murder and Arms Act violations. Further investigation is underway to establish broader network connections.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has unanimously approved its revised Constitution, aligning with the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA), 2025. This significant overhaul, decided at a virtual Special General Body Meeting, introduces a new election panel, mandates national anthems before matches, modifies foreign player rules in ISL, and updates the disciplinary code, aiming to enhance governance, transparency, and player development in Indian football.
Punjab Police apprehended two associates of a foreign-based terror operative in Mohali, foiling a plot to target critical public infrastructure and recovering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
A new study by King's College London and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute has identified 74 genomic locations, including 39 new ones, linked to anxiety symptoms. Analysing data from nearly 700,000 people, the research highlights the complex interplay between genetics and environmental factors in anxiety development and offers new insights into its biological underpinnings.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru have discovered that oral cancer cells are vulnerable to low-frequency ultrasound, a technique that can selectively destroy them while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This vulnerability is linked to reduced levels of the mechanosensory protein Tropomyosin 2.1. The study suggests ultrasound mechanostimulation could offer a safer, more targeted treatment for oral and other accessible cancers.
A new study reveals that adults who experienced early childhood adversities may have increased mitochondrial respiratory capacity, a 'hypermetabolism' that, while initially a response to cellular stress, can be detrimental to long-term health. The research highlights how early life experiences translate into biological changes affecting physical and mental well-being.
A new study reveals that adults who experienced early childhood adversities may have increased mitochondrial respiratory capacity, a 'hypermetabolism' that, while initially a response to cellular stress, can be detrimental to long-term health. The research highlights how early life experiences translate into biological changes affecting physical and mental well-being.
