A new study reveals that the impacts of invasive species on biodiversity are most severe in the Global South, challenging previous assumptions. Factors like rapidly developing economies, weak governance, and limited management capacity make these regions particularly vulnerable, leading to higher ecological and economic damages.
IIT Madras's Centre of Excellence for Road Safety has organised its first international hackathon, focusing on AI in road safety. The event brought together participants from India and other BIMSTEC nations to develop data-driven, technology-enabled solutions for the region, which faces a high number of road fatalities annually. The hackathon aims to foster collaboration among governments, academic institutions, and regional bodies to address this critical issue.
A parliamentary panel has strongly recommended that the Indian government appoint a dedicated 'polar ambassador' to enhance its strategic engagement and diplomatic influence in the critical Arctic and Antarctic regions, aligning with global trends and India's growing focus on polar affairs.
India has reiterated its support for freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in the South China Sea, backing a 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling that rejected China's extensive territorial claims. This stance aligns with a recent joint statement by the US, UK, and other nations, emphasising peaceful resolution of maritime disputes under UNCLOS.
South Korea's World Cup group-stage exit has sparked a nationwide football crisis, with coach Hong Myung-bo resigning, President Lee Jae Myung ordering an investigation, and growing calls for sweeping reforms within the Korea Football Association.
South Korea and Japan secured gold medals in the men's sabre and women's foil team events, respectively, at the Asian Senior Fencing Championships. Indian teams, despite facing strong competition, demonstrated grit and finished 10th overall, showing promising developmental strides for the future of Indian fencing.
South Korea, Japan, and China dominated the opening day of the Senior Asian Fencing Championships in New Delhi, securing all medals. Host nation India, despite fielding several fencers in both men's sabre and women's foil events, failed to secure any podium finishes, with their top performers placing 20th and 22nd respectively.
Newly-crowned Taipei Open champion Tanvi Sharma and former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth will lead India's challenge at the Korea Masters Super 300 badminton tournament. Tanvi's recent historic win and Srikanth's return to full fitness set high expectations for the Indian contingent across singles and doubles categories.
Indian golfer Saanvi Somu finished tied 26th at the Women's Irish Challenge after a challenging final round, while Ireland's Beth Coulter secured a historic win on her professional debut in a sudden-death playoff.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted full control over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming two oil tankers turned back after a fire, and warned countries supporting the US against interference in the strategic waterway.
Opposition parties Congress and Goa Forward Party have commenced preliminary discussions for an alliance ahead of the 2027 state assembly polls, with the Aam Aadmi Party also indicating its willingness to join. The primary goal of these potential alliances is to challenge and defeat the ruling BJP government in Goa, which aims for a fourth consecutive term.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has been seeded ninth in women's singles, while the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty received the fifth seeding for the upcoming BWF World Championships. India has seeded entries in four out of five categories, including Lakshya Sen and the mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto. The draw for the championships, set to be held in New Delhi from August 17-23, will take place on Wednesday.
Unnati Sharma's bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 has filled her family with pride, with her sister Riya Sharma revealing that the judoka's ultimate goal is to compete at the Olympics.
Beyond imprisonment, candidates caught cheating face cancellation of examination scores, blacklisting under China's social credit system and multi-year bans from appearing in state examinations.
The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.
The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.
A consumer disputes commission in Mumbai has directed National Insurance Company Ltd to pay a liquor wholesaler over 1.2 crore for stock ruined during the 2017 Mumbai floods, deeming the claim rejection 'arbitrary and unreasonable'.
Aakash Chopra believes India faces a challenging path to the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 final, even if they register a 2-0 series sweep in Sri Lanka.
Both the Indian men's and women's junior squash teams have successfully advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Junior Squash Team Championship in Ontario. The men's team overcame Kuwait in a hard-fought 2-1 victory, while the women's team secured a dominant 3-0 win against South Africa. The men are set to face England, and the women will compete against USA in their respective quarterfinal matches.
Judoka Asmita Dey from Tripura has won a gold medal in the women's 48 kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, marking a historic first for an Indian woman judoka. Chief Minister Manik Saha and Sports Minister Tinku Roy congratulated Dey, highlighting her achievement as an inspiration for the nation.
Three alleged members of the Prince Tewatia gang were arrested in south Delhi after an exchange of fire with the police. Two accused sustained injuries, and the gang members were wanted in connection with an extortion-linked firing incident.
Indian golfers Guntas Kaur Sandhu and Ceerat Kang have made a strong start at the Malaysia Ladies Amateur Open. Sandhu is tied for second place, while Kang is in solo sixth after the opening round. India's team is currently third in the championship.
A Mehsana-based startup, Prime UAV, deployed drones to assist in the evacuation of people stranded due to floods in Dholka, Ahmedabad district. The drones provided surveillance, delivered essential supplies, and supported rescue operations in inaccessible areas, complementing efforts by local administration and the Army.
Malicious cyber activity has disrupted technology at water and wastewater facilities in at least seven US states, forcing utilities to revert to manual operations, with authorities actively probing whether Iranian-linked hackers are responsible.
South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.
Indian squash players Om Semwal, Sandhesh Ravikumar, and Rathika Seelan were defeated in the quarterfinals of the PSA Singapore Challenger, ending their campaign in the tournament.
The Indian women's hockey team has departed for Frankfurt, Germany, to complete its final preparations for the upcoming FIH World Cup. The team will play practice matches and train in Europe before heading to the Netherlands for the tournament, where they will face China, South Africa, and England in Pool D.
India secured the third position at the Malaysian Ladies Amateur Open, with golfers Ceerat Kang and Guntas Kaur Sandhu finishing in a tied sixth place. The event featured 54 golfers from 11 countries, and the title was won by Malaysia's Foong Zi Yu.
Karnataka's two-month-old government saw its first cabinet expansion with 19 MLAs sworn in as ministers, leading to immediate discontent and the resignation of one Congress legislator over his exclusion.
Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has strongly advocated for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, citing its importance in eliminating discrimination, especially against women. Her remarks come as the West Bengal government examines a draft UCC. Nasreen also expressed dismay over a disruption at her felicitation ceremony in Kolkata, where poet Joy Goswami was prevented from speaking.
Ahmedabad, India, has been confirmed as the host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, a significant step in India's ambition to become a global sporting capital and potentially host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Indian golfer Diksha Dagar, currently sixth on the LET Order of Merit, is set to lead the Indian contingent at the PIF London Championship. She aims to strengthen her position among the Tour's top players, with other Indian golfers like Avani Prashanth, Pranavi Urs, Aditi Ashok, and Hitaashee Bakshi also participating.
Supreme Court Justice V Mohana has recused herself from hearing the anticipatory bail plea of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji in a new corruption case related to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The plea, seeking pre-arrest bail, was filed after the Madras High Court dismissed Balaji's petition. The case involves a systematic cash-kickback scheme and overcharging at TASMAC retail shops.
The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to DMK leader and former minister V Senthil Balaji in a fresh corruption case related to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), with conditions including cooperation with the investigation and depositing his passport.
The Calcutta High Court has ordered a status quo on the demolition of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's constituency office in South 24 Parganas. The court's directive prevents further demolition until a new hearing or the end of July, following a petition by Leaps and Bounds Private Limited, a company Banerjee is CEO of. The district administration had initiated demolition citing alleged construction without an approved plan.
Telugu actor Pavala Shyamala, aged 75, has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced declines in early trade due to a surge in crude oil prices and significant selling pressure on bank stocks, impacting overall investor sentiment. Track Sensex, Nifty on July 22.
An intensified DVAC probe into a multi-crore liquor scam, allegedly involving former DMK Minister V Senthil Balaji, has led to a suggestion to privatise retail liquor sales in Tamil Nadu. The investigation targets alleged collusion in TASMAC bar licences, transport tenders, and procurement, with the Madras High Court dismissing Balaji's anticipatory bail plea. The FIR details systemic corruption, significant revenue loss, and illicit fund generation, prompting political reactions.
Two South African scientists of Indian origin, Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Professor Keertan Dheda, have been awarded the Order of Mapungubwe for their contributions to public health, particularly in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis research, and pulmonology.
Indian golfers Ceerat Kang and Guntas Kaur Sandhu are performing strongly at the Malaysia Ladies Amateur Open, both securing spots within the top-10 after the second round. India's team is currently placed third, just four strokes behind the leaders, highlighting a promising performance from the young talents.
