India
ECI Reports Seizures, Lakh Complaints In Bihar And Bye-Elections
The Election Commission of India (ECI) disclosed significant seizures of illegal cash and unlicensed weapons during Bihar’s assembly and by-polls. Over a lakh complaints have been filed alleging violations of the electoral code of conduct. The ECI is intensifying monitoring to ensure free and fair elections amid concerns of muscle power and malpractice.
Science & Tech
AI Gets Brain Rot Too, Feeding Chatbots Junk Posts Makes Them Dumb And Mean
A recent study from Cornell University reveals that large language models (LLMs), such as AI chatbots, experience cognitive degradation known as "brain rot" when continuously exposed to low-quality, viral, and clickbait-ridden content online. This exposure significantly reduces their reasoning capability and comprehension, and increases negative personality traits like narcissism and psychopathy. Even after retraining with high-quality inputs, lasting adverse effects persist, pointing to the urgent need for stricter AI data quality controls to prevent long-term damage and ensure responsible AI behavior.
World
Trump And Rudd In Public Clash Over US-Australia Rare Earth Minerals Deal
A public clash erupted between former US President Donald Trump and Australian political leaders over a high-profile deal concerning rare earth minerals that are vital for clean energy and technology sectors. The dispute involved trade terms, security concerns, and strategic cooperation with significant implications for regional geopolitics and supply chains in the Indo-Pacific. The disagreements underscore the complexities of international cooperation amid shifting political landscapes and economic priorities in critical resource management.
World
Zohran Mamdani Criticizes Modi’s Pluralism, Sparks Debate Among Indian Diaspora
Zohran Mamdani, New York Assembly member, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claims of pluralism in India during a Diwali event in Queens, sparking heated debates within the Indian diaspora community. His statements questioned India’s socio-political fabric and reignited discussions on religious freedom and democratic values among expatriates. The debate emphasized generational differences in diaspora perspectives and highlighted ongoing concerns regarding India’s political direction internationally.
World
Putin, Zelenskyy, And The Peace Trump Can’t Broker
President Donald Trump’s attempt to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine has hit another dead end after he indefinitely postponed a planned summit with Vladimir Putin. Despite months of diplomatic maneuvering, major obstacles persist — rigid territorial demands, Trump’s inconsistent leverage, and both sides’ unwillingness to compromise. Analysts say Putin continues exploiting Trump’s desire for a deal, while Kyiv refuses territorial concessions. The decision underscores the fragile state of ceasefire diplomacy amid shifting global priorities following the recent Gaza truce.
Sports
Australia Crush England As Sutherland And Gardner Hit Centuries
Australia thrashed England by 176 runs in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, powered by stunning centuries from Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner. The Aussies posted a mammoth 352/5 before bowling England out for 176. Their dominance marks Australia’s fourth straight win in the tournament, underlining their title-favorite status. England struggled throughout, with their bowlers leaking runs and batters failing to counter spin effectively. The win consolidates Australia’s top position in the group stage.
Finance
Walmart Halts Job Offers For H-1B Visa Candidates Amid US Crackdown
Walmart has reportedly paused hiring foreign workers requiring H-1B visas after new restrictions were introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration. The company cited “policy uncertainties” and compliance issues, impacting positions across IT, logistics, and data management. Critics see the move as part of Trump’s broader crackdown on foreign labor amid rising protectionist sentiment. Walmart said it remains committed to hiring talent legally while reviewing visa dependency policies across its global operations.
India
IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Varanasi After Fuel Leak
An IndiGo Airlines flight en route from Kolkata to Srinagar made an emergency landing at Varanasi after pilots detected a midair fuel leak. The Airbus A320 aircraft, carrying 168 passengers, landed safely with fire tenders and emergency teams on standby. Preliminary reports suggest a technical fault rather than sabotage. IndiGo has grounded similar aircraft for inspection while regulators initiated an independent inquiry. No injuries were reported.
Health
India’s Egg Industry Faces Crisis As Quality Declines And Costs Surge
India’s poultry sector is witnessing a severe downturn as feed prices rise and climate stress triggers poor egg quality. Farmers report smaller eggs, thinner shells, and rising mortality rates in heat-struck regions. Fake eggs made of synthetic materials have also flooded some unregulated markets, worsening trust and safety issues. Experts urge immediate government intervention to stabilize input costs and enforce quality checks across the supply chain.
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World
Rise Of China Hawk Sanae Takaichi Could Reshape Japan-India Relations
Japanese politics is witnessing a pivotal power shift as Sanae Takaichi, known for her “China hawk” stance, gains influence within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Her potential ascent as Japan’s first female Prime Minister could intensify Tokyo’s push for stronger defense cooperation with India while tightening scrutiny of China’s regional ambitions. Analysts expect Takaichi’s policies to align closely with Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy amid evolving security alliances.