Why Covid-19 keeps returning in small waves across India can be explained by the behaviour of an endemic Covid virus. Omicron subvariants, waning immunity and changing regional conditions are causing local Covid outbreaks rather than one nationwide wave. India is again seeing small increases in Covid-19 infections in places such as Andhra Pradesh, Kolkata and a few other regions. Although these reports may revive fears of another major wave, hea

Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the Pakistan Kabul rehab strike that killed at least 269 people at a drug treatment centre in Afghanistan. The rights group says evidence gathered from the site does not support Pakistan’s claim that its forces attacked a military facility. Pakistan Kabul Rehab Strike Under Scrutiny The March 16 airstrike hit the Omid Reha

A viral video appearing to show a humanoid robot working on a farm has reopened the debate over whether farming and other physical jobs are safe from AI. Viral Farm Robot Video Revives AI Job Debate A widely shared social media video appearing to show a humanoid robot working in a field has reignited concerns about artificial intelligence moving beyond software and office jobs into physical labour. The clip shows a human-shaped m

Andhra Pradesh Covid cases have increased to 26 after seven fresh infections were detected across Guntur, East Godavari and Bapatla, but officials have ruled out a cluster outbreak. Andhra Pradesh Covid Cases Rise Across Districts Andhra Pradesh reported seven new Covid-19 infections on Tuesday, increasing the state’s total number of confirmed cases to 26. The Health Department said the fresh infections were recorded in separate distric

Trump's generic drug tariff plan introduces a phased import duty that could reach 200% within three years, encouraging pharmaceutical companies to manufacture in the United States. The proposal could significantly affect India's pharmaceutical industry, which supplies nearly 40% of generic medicines used in the US. Trump Generic Drug Tariffs Target India Pharma Export

A spouse not paying joint debt has left one woman covering most of a $30,000 consolidation loan and household expenses. The dispute now centers on emergency savings, financial accountability, legal responsibility and whether the couple is ready to buy a home. Couple’s Debt Agreement Breaks Down A 47-year-old woman and her husband consolidated approximately $20,000 in credit-card debt before t

India approves QDENGA for dengue prevention in people aged 4–60, making it the country’s first authorised dengue vaccine. The two-dose shot targets all four serotypes and is given three months apart, while rollout, pricing and access details are still awaited. QDENGA Approval Marks a First for India India’s drug regulator has approved Takeda’s QDENGA for preventing dengue in people aged four to 60 years, making it the first dengue

Andy Burnham has formally become the United Kingdom’s new prime minister after King Charles III invited him to form a government. The former Greater Manchester mayor enters Downing Street as investors assess his economic plans, energy policy and proposals for public services. Burnham takes office after Starmer’s departure Burnham succeeds Keir Starmer, who resigned after two years in office following internal Labour pressure, declining public support and damaging local election results. Burnham became Labour leader without facing a rival after securing overwhelming support among the party’s members of Parliament. His appointment makes him Britain’s seventh prime minister since 2016, underlining a decade of political instability. After meeting the King at Buckingham Palace, Burnham was expected to enter Downing Street, begin appointing his Cabinet and outline his priorities in his first speech as prime minister. Burnham recently returned to Parliament after winning the Makerfield by-election. Before that, he served for nearly a decade as mayor of Greater Manchester and previously held Cabinet roles under Labour prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Burnham policy agenda faces early scrutiny Burnham has promised to address major structural problems, including social care, housing, regional inequality and the management of essential public services. He has argued that political power became too concentrated in Westminster while economic control shifted away from local communities. His emerging agenda includes stronger public involvement in energy, transport and water, as well as a major expansion of council housing. Reports suggest his government may also consider changes to inheritance tax and council tax, although the details have not yet been formally announced. Burnham has said economic growth will be essential to fund his plans. However, investors want clarity on whether large infrastructure and public-service programmes will require higher taxation, additional borrowing or greater issuance of UK government bonds. UK bond markets watch spending plans Financial markets previously showed concern that Burnham could pursue a more expansionary fiscal programme than Starmer. Those fears have eased, but gilt investors remain focused on whether the new government will continue Labour’s existing fiscal rules. The main uncertainty surrounds how Burnham would finance public ownership, housebuilding and social-care reforms. Higher borrowing could increase pressure on government bond yields and complicate efforts to control public debt. Markets are therefore likely to examine Burnham’s first Budget, spending review and Cabinet appointments for evidence of whether he will follow a cautious fiscal approach or move toward substantially higher public spending. North Sea oil policy draws Trump’s attention U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly praised reports that Burnham could accelerate oil and gas development in the North Sea. Trump described the region’s energy resources as valuable and argued that greater production could strengthen the British economy. However, Burnham is expected to maintain Labour’s ban on issuing new exploration licences. His government may instead support faster development of projects that already hold licences, including possible tieback drilling connected to existing fields. This distinction is important because it does not amount to opening the entire North Sea to unrestricted new exploration. New prime minister must provide policy clarity Burnham enters office with broad ambitions but limited detail on how his programme will be funded. His immediate challenge will be convincing voters that he can improve living standards while reassuring investors that public borrowing will remain under control. His first speech, Cabinet choices and upcoming fiscal announcements should provide a clearer picture of his approach. Until then, questions over taxation, nationalisation, housing investment, energy development and government spending will remain central to the UK’s political and economic debate.

The S-400 radar network uses multiple advanced radar systems, including Big Bird, 96L6E, Nebo-M and 92N6E, to detect, track and engage aircraft, drones and missiles. This article explains how these sensors work together to create one of the world's most advanced layered air defence systems. S-400 radar network creates layered surveillance The S-400 Triumf does not depend on a single radar to de

US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance have welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy named Alec Neel Vance. The announcement, shared by Vance on X, marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first sitting US vice president in more than 150 years to welcome a child while in office. JD Vance fourth child announced on X US Vic

Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras were suspended from July 19 after an IMD weather advisory warned of widespread rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities halted pilgrim movement as a precaution and will resume the journeys only after reviewing weather and route safety. Amarnath Yatra Suspended on Both Routes Authorities temporarily suspended the Shri Amarnathji Yatra from July 19 following the Jam

The National Council for Teacher Education has constituted a five-member committee to investigate alleged irregularities at four Madhya Pradesh B.Ed colleges. The inspection will verify approved locations, infrastructure, faculty strength and compliance with NCTE regulations before submitting a report within five working days. NCTE Constitutes Five-Member Committee In an order issued on July 15, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), under the Education Ministry, constituted a five-member independent fact-finding and verification committee to investigate alleged irregularities at four B.Ed colleges in Madhya Pradesh. The inquiry follows reports that some institutions were not operating from their declared addresses and lacked the infrastructure required under NCTE regulations. The committee has been directed to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report, supported by documentary evidence, photographs and videographic records, within five working days. The committee is headed by H.C.S. Rathore, former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of South Bihar. Its members include Ashima Mangla, Joint Secretary at the University Grants Commission (UGC); Bhagwati Prasad Kalal and J.P. Singh, Directors in the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education; a nominee of the Madhya Pradesh government; and Wg Cdr Vijay Rana, Regional Director of the NCTE's Western Regional Committee. Inspection Expanded to Four Colleges The investigation was launched after media reports raised concerns about three B.Ed colleges affiliated with Barkatullah University. During the preliminary verification, officials found that another B.Ed college was operating from the same premises, increasing the total number of institutions under investigation to four. According to the NCTE, the committee reached Madhya Pradesh on July 17 and has already begun physical inspections. The regulator said the additional institution was identified during the initial study, prompting the expansion of the inquiry. Compliance With NCTE Norms Under Review The committee has been instructed to conduct on-site inspections using geotagged photographs and videos to verify whether the colleges are functioning from their approved locations. Officials will compare their findings with the institutions' recognition documents, Performance Appraisal Reports (PARs) and other official records submitted to the NCTE. The inspection will also assess whether the colleges comply with the provisions of the NCTE Act, 1993, NCTE Regulations and prescribed recognition standards. Areas under review include infrastructure, classrooms, laboratories, land availability, faculty strength and other academic and administrative requirements necessary for operating teacher education programmes. Strict Action Possible After Investigation The committee has been directed to submit its findings within five working days. Based on the report, the NCTE will conduct a comprehensive review before deciding on further action against the institutions. Describing the matter as a serious lapse, the regulator said strict punitive action would be taken against any institution found violating the NCTE Act, regulations or recognition norms after the completion of the 360-degree verification process.

CBSE Class 10 Second Board Results 2026 have been declared, with nearly 60% of score-improvement candidates raising their marks. The combined pass percentage from the main and second examinations has reached 96.78%. CBSE Class 10 Second Board Results 2026 Declared The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced the CBSE Class 10 Second Board Results 2026. Introduced under the National Educat

A 16-year-old student in Rajasthan’s Dholpur district reportedly died by suicide after an alleged skin colour taunt by a classmate on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The case has raised concerns about school bullying, colour-based discrimination and student mental health. Rajasthan Teen Suicide Case A 16-year-old student identified as Rahul reportedly died by suicide in Rajasth

Last Updated: July 18, 2026 Most Indian students studying in the United States have some form of insurance, but the type and coverage vary. This guide explains university health insurance, private insurance, travel insurance, accidental death benefits, repatriation coverage and the protection studen

India’s bullet train programme is moving into a new phase, with Indian-built high-speed trains expected to start services before Japan supplies its next-generation E10 Shinkansen sets. The plan is important for domestic rail technology, faster corridor rollout and long-term India-Japan cooperation. The India bullet train project with Indian trains is set to begin before Japan supplies its next-generation E10 Shinkansen fleet. The Ministry of E

IRGC claims two oil tankers exploded near the Strait of Hormuz after entering what it described as a mined area. The allegations, which have not been independently verified, come as military tensions between the United States and Iran continue to raise concerns over global shipping and energy security. IRGC Claims Two Oil Tankers Exploded Near Strait of Hormuz

A breast cancer patient died before the Kerala High Court could decide her petition seeking a reduction in the price of a life-saving medicine, even though the case had been listed 57 times. The Supreme Court has now taken suo motu cognisance of the delay and issued notice to the Centre. Cancer Drug Plea Remained Pending for Nearly Four Years The petition was filed in the Kerala High Court in June 2022 by a woman undergoing treatment for b

The United States will impose a 25% tariff on Brazilian imports following a year-long USTR Section 301 investigation. The action covers most Brazilian goods but includes tariff exemptions for selected products that could affect domestic supplies or cause wider economic disruption. Brazil Trade Tariff Covers Most Imported Goods The United States has announce

The US military testosterone screening program will introduce annual military medical screening for eligible service members to improve combat readiness. The policy also offers voluntary testosterone replacement therapy for troops diagnosed with low hormone levels. US Military Testosterone Screening Introduced to Improve Combat Readiness The United States D