A Hong Kong taxi fleet terminated a driver's contract after a video showed passengers alighting mid-road in Tsuen Wan with suitcases, causing traffic disruption. The passengers had reportedly instructed the driver en route for an airport trip.
Abhijeet Dipke of CJP criticized the government's temporary Telegram ban ahead of the NEET re-exam, calling it a superficial fix. He highlighted ongoing student suicides and accused politicians of prioritizing personal gain over education.
An IndiGo aircraft with over 140 people onboard was struck by lightning at Kolkata airport on Friday. The plane, en route to Agartala, has been grounded as a precaution. Two ground staff were treated and are stable. Passengers were rerouted.
Uddhav Thackeray offered to step down as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief if supporters lose faith, vowing not to hand leadership to "thieves." Addressing the party's 60th Foundation Day, he expressed regret over defecting MPs and dismissed merger talks with Congress, warning of a threat to democracy.
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a sign-and-trade deal, sending a 2026 fifth-round pick. Raddysh signed an eight-year, $68 million contract with an $8.5 million cap hit.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that externally aided projects in India's Northeast should focus on market access for local products and economic opportunities. She highlighted a seven-fold increase in assistance and significant road construction, emphasizing the region's potential beyond funding.
China's Academy of Sciences has launched a new research program focused on low-altitude hypersonic flight technology, potentially leading to new weapons that could challenge the US Navy. The program aims to overcome challenges like extreme heating and electromagnetic disturbances.
A Meta Platforms data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, has significantly boosted local tax revenues, enabling teacher bonuses of up to $50,935. This surge in funding, driven by increased sales tax collections and a direct payment from Meta, contrasts with opposition to data centers elsewhere in the US.
US President Donald Trump described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'a very tough cookie' and one of the world leaders he most admires, in a wide-ranging interview with Axios. He also praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as 'all business'.
An IndiGo aircraft at Kolkata airport was struck by lightning on Friday during a severe thunderstorm. No passengers were harmed, but two ground personnel were taken to the hospital for evaluation and later cleared. The flight to Agartala was rescheduled.
Anya Taylor-Joy joins the cast of "The Hunt for Gollum" as Seren, a new elf character created for the film. Directed by Andy Serkis, the movie focuses on Aragorn's pursuit of Gollum. Taylor-Joy's role suggests a potential "road movie" dynamic with Aragorn and Gollum, exploring themes of espionage and the fate of Middle-earth.
The Premier League fixtures for the 2026-27 season have been announced. Reigning champions Arsenal will begin their title defence against promoted Coventry City on August 21. Manchester City start their post-Pep Guardiola era at home to Bournemouth, while Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola faces Newcastle United.
Rachin Ravindra dismissed LBW for 189, leading New Zealand to 189/3. Henry Nicholls and Ravindra built a 146-run partnership. England's bowlers, including Sonny Baker and Jacob Bethell, sought breakthroughs amidst New Zealand's scoring surge.
Matt Henry took crucial wickets, including Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox, as England struggled at 236/8 against New Zealand. Kyle Jamieson also troubled the batsmen with his bowling.
Geoengineering, particularly solar geoengineering, is presented as a risky techno-optimistic "quick fix" for climate change. Critics argue it masks warming, poses termination shock risks, requires centuries of maintenance, and lacks scientific understanding and governance, diverting resources from decarbonization.
Russian newspapers on Friday focused on expert doubts regarding the Iran-US memorandum's ability to prevent conflict, Moscow's perception of the EU's unwillingness to engage in dialogue, and Russia's foreign policy gains at the Russia-ASEAN summit. Oil market impacts and Russia's grain export potential were also discussed.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan's visit to Singapore to promote business ties drew social media criticism comparing London's crime rates unfavorably to Singapore's strict law and order, with some users suggesting Khan learn from the city-state.
India and Russia are developing smaller and hypersonic versions of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. These new variants aim to enhance the Indian armed forces' strike capabilities, with a focus on lighter designs, increased speed, and advanced targeting systems.
Donald Trump took the final flight of a 35-year-old Boeing 747-200B Air Force One, returning from France. The aircraft, SAM 2900, served every president since George HW Bush. A new, repainted Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar is being integrated, with Trump considering its inaugural flight.
A movement called Stop Killing Games is lobbying for legal protections to prevent publishers from shutting down online video games. The group advocates for "end-of-life plans" to keep games playable, proposing that companies allow players to operate private servers. While the European Commission cannot mandate this due to copyright laws, it will work on a code of conduct. In the US, California's "Protect Our Games" act, which requires advance notice before takedown and access for purchased games, has passed the Assembly.
A Canadian Transportation Safety Board report found regulatory failures allowed OceanGate's unregistered Titan submersible to operate for years before its 2023 implosion. Multiple federal agencies lacked a unified oversight system, leading to critical information gaps.
A personal account highlights how a child's belief in their abilities, fostered by positive reinforcement from adults, significantly impacts performance more than innate talent. Negative criticism can hinder progress, while supportive words build confidence and lead to success.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath accused the opposition of 'double standards' regarding Ram Mandir donation controversies. He stated parties opposing the temple's construction are now concerned about devotees, referencing past actions by Congress and Samajwadi Party. An SIT probe has been initiated.
Elon Musk's one-day wealth gain of $164.8 billion surpassed Warren Buffett's net worth. China's economy shows a two-speed recovery with industrial output rising but consumer spending falling. India sees a surge in tech professionals seeking jobs, while blue-collar roles and civil engineering gain traction. China leads India in university rankings, and India's state subsidies have tripled.
