Kathua attack: Terrorists lobbed grenade, fired from both sides, large group was involved

A terror attack on an Army convoy in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir resulted in the death of five soldiers and injury of five others. The attack, carried out by a large group of militants, was described as a highly "emboldened terrorist action". Security forces have launched a search and Para (Special Forces) personnel will join the operation on Tuesday.

Kalki 2898 AD continues to dominate the box office and has crossed the Rs 620 crore mark in India. While it has surpassed SRK's Pathaan globally to become the sixth highest-grossing Indian film, it may not surpass Jawan's worldwide gross of Rs 1,160 crore. However, the Prabhas-starrer is now just Rs 20 crore away from overtaking the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer’s lifetime India nett collection.

BJP in Uttar Pradesh is facing internal tensions with Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, a long-time RSS worker and OBC leader, leading the dissent. He has emphasized the importance of party organization over government and held meetings with leaders. There are rumors of him seeking the CM post, but his relationship with Yogi Adityanath is uncertain.

The NTA will release a revised NEET UG 2024 result this week after the Supreme Court dismissed pleas for cancellation and a re-test. The all India rank 1 was shared by 67 students, with 44 getting grace marks for incorrect answers. The ranks of candidates will be changed as the Supreme Court decided to only accept one accurate answer. The cut-off has also increased this year.

Pune and its surrounding areas saw heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours, causing a sharp increase in dam water levels. The IMD issued an orange alert for the ghat regions of the district. Maharashtra has been receiving heavy rains due to the monsoon trough, resulting in the Khadakwasla dam being 80% full and other dams at high capacities. The district administration is closely monitoring situation.

A Saurya Airlines plane crashed during takeoff in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. The incident occurred on Wednesday and there were 19 people on board the Pokhara-bound flight.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman faced criticism from Opposition leaders for allegedly favoring Bihar and Andhra Pradesh in the Union Budget. She defended the budget, stating that it benefits all states through government schemes and external aid. The Opposition walked out in protest, prompting the Rajya Sabha Chairman to urge leaders to rethink their use of disruption as a political tactic.

Paris 2024 Olympics plans to serve mostly plant-based meals to athletes, staff, and media to reduce carbon footprint and combat environmental concerns. The Games Village will offer 13 million meals, with 60% being plant-based. France, known for its meat-based cuisine, aims to change food habits by providing a diverse menu with vegetarian options.

Alia Bhatt's impressive strength has once again caught the attention of fitness enthusiasts and fans with a viral video of her performing hip thrusts with a substantial 40 kg weight. While admirable, her feat raises important questions about exercise progression and safety. Fitness expert Allan Thomas shares key safety considerations and a step-by-step guide for beginners to lift heavier weights.

Paris prepares for the highly anticipated Summer Olympics, set to begin on July 26 and conclude on August 11. A stunning video of the full moon passing through the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower has gone viral, shared by the official French Olympics handle.

BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of damaging trust in NEET-UG exam system and asks for an apology after Supreme Court dismisses pleas for cancellation and re-test. Ravi Shankar Prasad criticizes Gandhi for defaming India globally and violating parliamentary and opposition leader's dignity. Defends government's actions, highlighting probe by CBI and cancellation of 155 candidatures.

Microsoft and Apple have stepped down from their positions as observers on the Open AI board due to growing scrutiny on Big Tech's involvement in AI research. Investigations by the FTC and EU have raised concerns about monopolies and stifled innovation. While Big Tech gains from AI startups, there are worries about a few companies having too much control and speeding up commercialization.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has released its most advanced AI model, Llama 3.1, for free and open source. With 405 billion parameters, it rivals commercial models from companies like OpenAI and Google. The announcement highlights Meta's partnership with Nvidia and its belief in open source AI development.

Despite being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, popular TV actor Hina Khan has remained strong and courageous by sharing motivational content and promoting the power of manifestation. While its scientific validity is questioned, clinical psychologist Neha Parashar explains that manifestation aligns with psychological principles and can have positive effects on mental and physical health.

Business activity in India saw a surge in July due to high demand in the services sector. Private companies hired at record levels, supported by the government's budget that aims to boost the private sector and employment. The HSBC's index showed strong growth, with rising costs and prices but a positive outlook and the highest job creation since 2006.

Tamil actor Dhanush's lavish home in Poes Garden, Chennai, reportedly worth Rs 150 crore, has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. Dhanush recently shared a personal story from his teenage years, where he dreamt of owning a house in the locality, and fulfilled it after working for 20 years. However, netizens criticised him and his speech, calling the actor a product of nepotism.

Germany's interior ministry has banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg and its subsidiary organizations for promoting radical Islamist goals. 53 premises were searched in 8 states, based on evidence from a previous search in November. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that this ban does not apply to the peaceful practice of the Shiite religion. The IZH was not available for comment.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has terminated four more government employees, including two policemen, under the Article 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution, which allows dismissal without inquiry. This brings the total number of such terminations in the last four years to 64. Mainstream political parties in the Valley have criticized the move.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu's split from Naga Chaitanya after five years of marriage serves as a reminder that life can bring unexpected challenges. In a recent interview, she shared how dealing with personal struggles while balancing work can be tough. Neha Cadabam, a senior psychologist, suggests prioritizing tasks, setting achievable goals, taking breaks, and practicing self-care.

Dalit activists in Tamil Nadu have used the murder of state BSP chief K Armstrong to bring attention to the ongoing discrimination and injustice faced by Scheduled Castes. Filmmaker Pa Ranjith led a rally to protest the killing and criticize mainstream parties for neglecting SCs. The police claim it was a gang rivalry, but Dalit groups see it as a reflection of systemic issues.

Heavy rains lashed Vadodara city, causing waterlogging and a sharp rise in the Vishwamitri river's level. The city received 167.1 mm of rainfall and several areas were inundated. VMC teams have been evacuating residents and monitoring the situation.

IIT Bombay introduces new BTech degree in IEOR, attracting top candidates. Head of department highlights industry relevance and job prospects. Institute's focus on IEOR grows due to high demand for skills. Program offers opportunities for higher education at IIT Bombay and beyond.

A video of a humpback whale capsizing a small boat off the coast of New Hampshire has gone viral. The incident, captured by Colin Tanger, shows two people falling into the water and a horrified man turning his boat around. No injuries were reported and the US Coast Guard is investigating the incident.

Panchamasali Lingayats, a sub-caste of Karnataka's dominant Lingayat community, have been demanding inclusion in Category 2A of the OBC for more than three years. This will enable them to avail the 15% quota in government jobs and college admissions. The community leaders held a meeting to revive the agitation which had fizzled out in 2023.

Apple introduced "Family Setup" for Apple Watch in India, enabling children and elderly to make calls, send texts, and share location without an iPhone. It requires a cellular-capable Watch and a monthly fee from Jio. This feature targets tech-savvy parents in urban areas and aims to boost Apple Watch adoption among new users in India, an important market for Apple.

The Global Chess League's second season will have top players like Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri joining the likes of Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand as "icon players." Nakamura joins American Gambits, while Giri debuts with PBG Alaskan Knights.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to India aims to strengthen the partnership between the two countries. He will focus on promoting a Free Trade Agreement and addressing key issues like clean energy, new technologies, and security. This marks the first high-level engagement between India and the UK since the Labour government took office.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Watch Ultra, Watch7, and Buds3 at Galaxy Unpacked, now available in India. Pre-orders for foldables increased by 40%. Z Fold6 has a slight upgrade, Z Flip6 has a bigger cover display and better camera. Watch Ultra has a circular screen and 3 buttons, Watch 7 has new AI features.

Vicky Kaushal has become Bollywood's newest Mr. Dependable with a loyal fan base and a string of successful films. His latest release, Bad Newz, solidified his position as a box office draw. Despite not being a traditional leading hero, Vicky consistently delivers standout performances in both commercial and critical hits.

Supreme Court proposes an independent committee to bridge the trust deficit between farmers and the government. The court also urges the government to take steps to reach out to the protesters and maintain status quo at the Shambhu border to prevent any escalation of the situation. Haryana government's plea to remove barricades at the border was also heard.

Tensions between North and South Korea have escalated due to North Korea's trash-carrying balloon launches. In response, South Korea has increased propaganda broadcasts and military tactics, warning of stronger measures if the launches continue. North Korea's leader's sister has also threatened retaliation against South Korean activists for their leafleting activities.

The 2024 Henley Passport Index ranks Singapore as the top passport for visa-free access to 195 countries, followed by France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain. The US has dropped to eighth place, raising concerns about its diplomatic status. Only the UAE offers visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. The index is based on the number of visa-free destinations.

A toddler accidentally locked her mother and brother in a bathroom while playing, trapping them in their flat in Pune's Chandan Nagar area. The fire brigade was called and after 20 minutes, the family was rescued. The firefighters had to use cutting tools and crowbars to break the latch and comforted the crying toddler before freeing her family.

Edelweiss Mutual Fund's MD and CEO, Radhika Gupta, raises concerns about young people using risky investments to fund lavish lifestyles. The Economic Survey 2023-24 also warns about the rise of retail investors, particularly in derivatives trading, which could result in major losses and discourage future participation

IIT-Delhi has confirmed the correct answer to the controversial Physics question. The marks obtained by candidates will be retained, but ranks will be reshuffled. Some students express disappointment and concern over potential malpractices, while others are relieved. NTA is expected to declare updated results soon.

Meta has launched Llama 3.1, their biggest open source AI model yet, surpassing rivals like OpenAI. These models are freely accessible for both commercial and non-commercial purposes, offering greater flexibility and control in development. Llama 3.1 is more advanced and affordable than closed models, making it ideal for refining and simplifying smaller models.

Elon Musk's poll on social media showed that 70.2% of respondents support Tesla's $5 billion investment in his AI startup xAI. Despite Tesla's low profit margin, the company plans to spend $3-4 billion on chipmaker Nvidia's hardware. xAI, valued at $24 billion, recently raised $6 billion in funding.

Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya believes India will struggle in the T20I format without the services of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja who have retired after the T20 World Cup. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team, with Shubman Gill as his deputy. The Sri Lankan team has received assistance from Rajasthan Royals high-performance director Zubin Bharucha in their preparations.

Pregnant woman, claiming to be actor Sunny Mahipal's wife, assaulted with knife at his Bengaluru home. Suffered deep cut injuries and miscarriage. Met on social media, married in June, but he lived separately. Actor denies marriage, known for role in Kannada TV serial Nethravathi.

Bihar passes anti-cheating law amid NEET-UG exam irregularities probe, joining other states in curbing malpractices in competitive exams. The legislation stipulates severe punishment, including imprisonment and fines, for those involved in cheating. Other states such as Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana have also passed similar laws.

Ajay Devgn and Tabu, two dependable actors in Indian cinema, are teaming up for their upcoming project, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha. In a recent interview, they fondly remembered their past hits like Zakhm and Virasat, revealing that they accepted these films without even reading the script or hearing the narration. Ajay also shared his experience working with director Mahesh Bhatt for Zakhm.

Two Bangladeshi nationals, Mohammad Ibrahim and Jamal Miah, were detained by BSF and Tripura Police for trying to enter India illegally in the Srinagar area of South Tripura district. The BSF has been actively working with other agencies to prevent illegal migration. In another incident, two Bangladeshi smugglers were injured while attempting to smuggle goods.

A 67-year-old builder stabbed a woman in the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Courts complex in Bengaluru over financial disputes. The accused, J V Jayaram Reddy, stabbed Vimala, 38, twice with a kitchen knife during her hearing. Vimala is being treated for her wounds and Reddy has been arrested. Police say there were disagreements over financial matters between the two.

Katrina Kaif's nutritionist, Shweta Shah, has disclosed that the actor's commitment to fitness is rooted in her deep understanding of her body. She follows a strict diet and self-care routine, including oil pulling and nasal cleansing. Shah also revealed that Katrina has a pita body type and consumes cooling foods like black raisins and ash gourd juice.

A video of mass liquor looting in the middle of the street in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra is doing rounds on the Internet. According to reports, several liquor boxes fell off a delivery vehicle when it hit a speed bump while crossing through the Etmadpur area.

Apple is set to launch a foldable iPhone in 2026, inspired by Samsung's move in 2019. The company has already started working with suppliers in Asia and the new product is expected to have AI features, increasing demand in the smartphone market. A camera upgrade for one of its iPhone models may also be in the works.

England's Ollie Pope is confident that his team can achieve a record-breaking feat in Test cricket by scoring 600 runs in a day. Their aggressive batting approach, led by Ben Stokes, allows them to be both ruthless and play their natural game. The team currently holds the record for the fastest team Test fifty and has surpassed 500 runs twice.

The JEECUP 2024 round one seat allotment result and opening/closing cut off ranks have been released. The round 2 seat allotment result will be announced tomorrow, with a payment deadline of July 30. JEECUP is conducted by the Joint Entrance Examination Council, Uttar Pradesh and helps candidates get admissions in various courses.

After a four-day nationwide shutdown due to protests against quotas in government jobs, Dhaka saw a return of rush-hour traffic as the curfew was eased. The Supreme Court ruling in favor of the government has allowed 93% of jobs to be open to candidates on merit, leading to relative calm in the country.

Bollywood actresses have been paid significantly less than their male counterparts for years, and here's a new list reveals their earnings. Deepika Padukone tops the list with Rs 15-20 crore per film, followed by Alia Bhatt at Rs 15 crore. Kareena Kapoor Khan charges Rs 8-11 crore, while Katrina Kaif and Shraddha Kapoor earn Rs 8-10 crore.