Doctors and researchers are increasingly concerned about the potential link between exposure to polluted air during pregnancy and its influence on foetal development, particularly the male reproductive system. While hypospadias, a common congenital abnormality, is multifactorial, endocrine-disrupting chemicals in air pollution are being investigated for their role. Experts call for more research and advise expectant mothers on preventive measures.
Gurugram Police have arrested six individuals, alleging a planned conspiracy behind the recent unrest at factories in the IMT-Manesar area. Investigations suggest external elements incited workers to riot and engage in arson over salary hike demands.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a downturn in early trade, primarily influenced by a dip in HDFC Bank shares, persistent outflows from foreign funds, and escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Track Sensex, Nifty performance.
The judgment is India's first to examine AI companies' use of copyrighted works for foundation models, setting an analytical framework for Section 52 of the Copyright Act.
India's passenger vehicle industry is poised for a record-breaking year in 2026, propelled by robust dispatches in the first half of the calendar year and strong demand for utility vehicles, despite facing several economic challenges.
Clashes erupted during the first phase of legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claiming 14 deaths, a figure disputed by law enforcement. India condemned the elections as an attempt by Pakistan to legitimise its illegal occupation and human rights abuses in the region, while ongoing JAAC protests highlight deep-seated grievances.
Air India Group anticipates the delivery of 50-60 new aircraft within the next 18 months, with its ambitious transformation programme progressing despite global challenges like supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions, according to Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal.
India's finance ministry anticipates inflation will remain relatively contained in the coming months, supported by a correction in crude oil prices and softening input costs following the cessation of the West Asia conflict, despite earlier spikes in wholesale and retail inflation.
Interim All India Tennis Association (AITA) President Chintan Parikh has accused court-appointed administrator Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal of financial exploitation and procedural bias, alleging that her actions are draining the sports body's finances and compromising its autonomy.
West Bengal has enacted two controversial legislations, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act and the Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, aimed at curbing organised crime and violent protests. These laws grant authorities significant powers, including preventive detention without trial and property attachment for riot damages, drawing both support and criticism.
'You never get chosen,' warns rediffGURU Anu Krishna, 'because he is fighting a battle outside.' 'It leads you to keep vacillating between, 'Should I be with him or leave him?''
Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.
India's government has implemented stringent new regulations under the Telecommunications Act 2023, mandating that all communication infrastructure providers, including those utilising cloud-based networks, must store telecommunication data exclusively within the country, a move expected to significantly impact domestic data centre demand.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post amidst widespread nationwide protests concerning the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, citing the larger interest of students and the need to prevent exploitation by anti-national forces. The government is also preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law.
Millions of people, including international representatives, are expected to attend the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. His death occurred at the start of the US-Israel war on Iran. US President Donald Trump announced a week-long pause in bombing for the funeral, while India was represented by Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and MoS External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. The event is anticipated to be one of the largest gatherings in Iran's history, with ceremonies delayed due to security concerns.
The Supreme Court has directed the deletion of a Kerala High Court order that placed the state Waqf Board under the supervision of a joint secretary, thereby restoring the Board's autonomy. The apex court modified the high court's interim order, allowing the joint secretary to remain a board member but removing any supervisory capacity.
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Indonesia's highest honour, the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia' medal, by President Prabowo Subianto, recognising his leadership in strengthening bilateral relations and furthering Indonesia's unity, continuity, and prosperity.
Iran has extended an invitation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other party leaders, including Salman Khurshid and Pawan Khera, to attend the burial ceremonies of its late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ceremonies are scheduled from July 5 to 9 across various Iranian cities. India will also be represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Ata Hasnain.
Kerala Police have registered a murder case concerning the death of a 22-year-old medical student in Uzbekistan, following a complaint from her family. While the crime occurred abroad, authorities in Haripad have initiated proceedings, stating they will pursue the case if Uzbek police do not prosecute the accused. The family alleges the student was tortured and brutally beaten, not just hit on the head, and claims the accused tried to force her religious conversion.
The Reserve Bank of India's Financial Stability Report indicates that the interim peace deal between the US and Iran has favourably shifted the balance of risks, reducing headwinds from the West Asia conflict. However, it cautions that exchange rate volatility could increase if crude oil prices spike due to delayed normalisation of supply chain disruptions.
India captain Shreyas Iyer has urged his team to play fearless cricket in the upcoming T20 series against Zimbabwe, despite a recent winless tour of England. He emphasised learning from past setbacks, adapting to new conditions, and focusing on team unity to overcome challenges.
At a function in Anand, ministers and the chief minister all in attendance, Varghese Kurien called the IAS lobby termites.
Delhi Police are intensifying their investigation into the alleged violence during the ongoing CJP protest, analysing CCTV footage, drone videos, mobile phone recordings, and other digital evidence to identify those involved in attacks on security personnel and damage to public property, with a focus on whether 'outsiders' and 'habitual offenders' infiltrated the demonstrations.
'Sometimes, two people can deeply care about each other, but circumstances can get in the way,' counsels rediffGURU Ravi Mittal, CEO of online dating website Quack Quack and Rebounce, a matrimony platform.
Items include luxury watches, jewellery, carpets, shawls, silverware and collectible artefacts with bidding prices reaching up to Rs 20 lakh.
The Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an independent inquiry panel to investigate sexual harassment allegations made by former hockey player Asunta Lakra. This decision came after Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed concerns about the impartiality of an internal probe, as the allegations involve HI office bearers.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled 'Peacko', the official mascot, and the championship anthem for the upcoming BWF World Championships in New Delhi. India aims to solidify its position as a global sporting destination, with the event featuring top Indian shuttlers like PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen.
Intimacy is not just physical, explains rediffGURU Anu Krishna.
India's services sector growth experienced a significant slowdown in June, reaching a 17-month low due to challenging market conditions and reduced domestic client interest, as indicated by the HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index.
The Indian Embassy in Venezuela has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged desecration and removal of organs from the body of Indian sailor Rakesh Chauhan. His wife and the Forward Seamen's Union of India claim a second post-mortem in India revealed all internal organs were missing, raising serious questions about his death and the handling of his remains.
FPIs have already withdrawn Rs 2.6 trillion from Indian equities in 2026, exceeding the outflows recorded in any previous full calendar year.
Europe has overtaken Asia as India's biggest arms supplier, reflecting New Delhi's evolving defence procurement strategy.
The Indian stock market's trajectory this week will be significantly influenced by crude oil prices, global market trends, and the commencement of the corporate earnings season, with IT major TCS set to announce its June-quarter results on July 9.
Families of the AI-171 crash victims are demanding the release of black box data and cockpit voice recorder transcripts, questioning the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) decision to withhold this crucial information while promising only a final probe report.
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.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued amended directions for bank boards, effective October 1, 2026, to rationalise agenda items and enable more focused engagement on strategy and risk governance, while explicitly defining matters reserved for board approval and periodically reviewing delegated powers.
In a social media post, former Japanese minister Hideki Makihara blamed the Indian side's approach to the project as being one of 'sheer chaos', of not keeping promises, and of continuously 'pushing their own self-interest'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his three-nation tour in New Zealand, where he and his counterpart Christopher Luxon elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. The visit focused on doubling trade by 2030 and expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in 40 years.
India has strongly condemned Pakistan's recent air strikes on Afghan territory, which resulted in civilian casualties. The Ministry of External Affairs labelled the strikes a "blatant act of aggression" and a "direct threat" to regional peace, reiterating India's support for Afghanistan's sovereignty.
