National News

More than 10 million people have signed a petition calling for Argentina's expulsion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alleging referee bias in favour of Lionel Messi's side after their comeback win over Egypt. Egypt accused FIFA of unfair officiating, while Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni rejected the claims, insisting VAR and modern technology make favouritism "next to impossible".

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has publicly backed students protesting against examination irregularities, urging climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to stop his hunger strike. He pointed out that equitable exams are vital for young people from less privileged backgrounds. Tharoor affirms that peaceful demonstrations are necessary to amplify youth concerns, and the opposition is set to raise these student issues in Parliament next week.

Speculation on trades involving the Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings continues to build as the 2026-27 NHL season approaches. There’s been talk of Jason Robertson to Dylan Larkin in a potential blockbuster, but that’s all it is at this point. Uncertainty over contracts, roster priorities and trade tastes continues to shape one of the biggest NHL trade rumors of the off-season.

An online petition demands Argentina's expulsion from the World Cup due to alleged FIFA favouritism. Millions have signed the petition, citing perceived bias towards Lionel Messi and his team. Critics point to controversial refereeing decisions and VAR reviews in several matches. Argentina's coach dismisses these claims, calling them baseless accusations from detractors. The winners of the Argentina-England semi-final will face Spain in the championship match.

ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller has found himself in major trouble ever since he had a brutal accident in Missouri wherein he lost his left arm which has left many shocked. While many sympathised with the popular analyst, Matt Miller has also been accused of defrauding fans as he has been accused of withholding prize money for fantasy winners. Amid this, the clip of his accident has sparked outrage among millions.

DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng is now the world's richest AI model startup founder. His net worth surged to an estimated thirty-six billion dollars after a recent funding round. This development follows accusations from US AI companies regarding improper model usage. DeepSeek's valuation increased significantly, and Liang retained a majority ownership stake. The company's rapid growth is attributed to its AI model performance and development costs.

A little girl begins her day with morning cuddles for her three Golden Retrievers. She hugs Riley, Twyla, and Bear individually before any other activity. The dogs remain calm and affectionate during these daily morning greetings. This routine teaches the child about love and gentle connection. The heartwarming video captures a special bond between a child and her pets.

Mohammad Kaif defended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid recent scrutiny. He stated that successful teams require a blend of youth and experience. Kaif questioned the focus on young players solely for their six-hitting ability. He cited football stars Ronaldo and Messi as examples of older players excelling. Selectors should value experience alongside emerging young talent for team balance.

President Trump convened a meeting to discuss expanding military operations against Iran. The United States is currently conducting strikes targeting Iranian air defense systems. Trump warned of intensified attacks on power plants and bridges if Iran does not negotiate. Washington is also monitoring a deeply buried site believed to be part of Iran's nuclear program. Iran has continued retaliatory attacks on US military bases in the region.

A refrigerator ice formation in Agra has drawn many visitors after appearing like a Shivling. News of the unusual ice spread, leading to neighborhood residents gathering at the home. Devotees performed rituals and chanted religious slogans, seeing it as a divine sign. This event coincides with the Amarnath Yatra, prompting comparisons to the cave shrine's ice. The home has become a local attraction for both devotees and curious onlookers.

When building an investment portfolio, investors decide on an asset allocation. Let’s say, a portfolio comprising 70% equity and 30% debt investments. This allocation should be a well-thought out decision that an investor should make after considering his age, financial goals, income, risk tolerance, etc.

India began the ODI series with a six-wicket victory against England. Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna led the bowling attack effectively. Joe Root and Liam Dawson provided a strong recovery for the hosts. Shubman Gill and Axar Patel guided India to a successful chase. The team took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Amitabh Bachchan has become a major investor in Ayodhya's growing real estate market. His Ayodhya land acquisitions are now estimated to be over Rs 90-100 crore. Bachchan's extensive property portfolio spans residential, commercial, and institutional holdings nationwide. His Mumbai properties include Jalsa, Janak, Prateeksha, and Vatsa, valued significantly. Overall, his real estate holdings across various locations are estimated at over Rs 500 crore.

S&P Global Ratings lowered Oracle's credit rating to BBB- from BBB. The agency cited significant risks associated with Oracle's expanding AI infrastructure business. OpenAI's substantial reliance on Oracle's services presents a key credit risk for the company. Oracle faces potential financial strain from massive data center leases if OpenAI defaults. The rating agency warned of further downgrades if leverage exceeds 4.5x.

The Supreme Court has decided to examine a write petition for a framework to urgently set up Benches; the petition argues that in a system where executive power may operate at any hour, the protection of fundamental rights cannot remain constrained by the temporal boundaries of court schedules

Raised around rubber plantations in Kerala, designer Harri KS is rethinking latex, form, and the idea of wearability

A devastating mudslide in Wayanad, Kerala, triggered by heavy rains and poor construction practices, has resulted in multiple casualties

The song, ‘Xorogi Xopun’, is from the Assamese feature film Dipholu, to be released in theatres on August 21, 2026

The case arose out of proceedings before the Foreigners Tribunals in the State of Assam and, in certain cases, before the erstwhile Illegal Migrants (Determination) Tribunals

Intelligence reports and the social media posts indicated the presence of armed cadres moving outside designated camps, carrying weapons and wearing uniforms, in apparent violation of established Ceasefire Ground Rules, says an official