OpenAI Reportedly Set to Launch Web Browser to Rival Google Chrome
OpenAI is reportedly preparing to launch its own AI-powered web browser, a move that would directly challenge Google Chrome's market dominance. The browser aims to integrate ChatGPT-like features natively, potentially changing how users interact with the web and giving OpenAI direct access to valuable user data. This strategic expansion could significantly impact Google's ad-driven business model, which relies heavily on Chrome for user information and search traffic, intensifying the competition between the two tech giants.
Thane School Principal and Attendant Arrested for Strip-Searching Students
The principal and a female attendant of a school in Maharashtra's Thane district have been arrested for allegedly forcing about 10 female students to strip to check if they were menstruating. The incident occurred after bloodstains were found in a school washroom. Four teachers and two school trustees have also been booked under the POCSO Act and other relevant sections following protests by parents. The case has sparked national outrage over the violation of children's dignity and safety in schools.
Magnitude 4.4 Earthquake Shakes Delhi-NCR
A moderate earthquake of magnitude 4.4 struck northern India on Thursday morning, with strong tremors felt across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and surrounding areas. The National Centre for Seismology reported the earthquake's epicenter was in Jhajjar, Haryana, at a depth of 10 km. The tremors, which occurred around 9:04 a.m., caused brief panic and prompted some residents and office workers to evacuate buildings. No significant damage or casualties have been reported from the event.
Hyderabad Cricket Association President Arrested Over IPL Ticket Scam
The president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), Jagan Mohan Rao, has been arrested by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in connection with an alleged ticket scam during the IPL 2025 season. Rao and other HCA officials are accused of intimidating the SunRisers Hyderabad franchise for extra complimentary tickets and then black-marketing them. The arrest followed an inquiry ordered by the Telangana government after SRH filed a complaint about blackmail and pressure from the association officials.
Lionel Messi Sets New MLS Record with Brace for Inter Miami
Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer (MLS) history to score multiple goals in four consecutive matches. The Argentine forward achieved the feat by netting both goals in Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution. His two first-half strikes took his season tally in the league to 14 goals. The 37-year-old's record-breaking performance continues his sensational form since joining the American club, cementing his status as a transformative figure for the league.
At Least 9 Dead as Bridge Collapses in Gujarat's Vadodara
A four-decade-old bridge over the Mahisagar River in Vadodara, Gujarat, collapsed during morning traffic, killing at least nine people and injuring six. Several vehicles, including trucks and a van, plunged into the river. The Gambhira bridge, which connects Vadodara and Anand districts, gave way around 7:30 am. The National Disaster Response Force and local teams are conducting rescue operations. The state government has announced compensation for the victims' families and ordered a technical investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Texas Flood Death Toll Reaches 109, Over 160 People Still Missing
The death toll from catastrophic flash floods in Texas has risen to 109, with officials reporting that more than 160 people remain missing. The disaster, which began four days ago, has devastated several counties, with Kerr County being the worst affected. Search and rescue operations are ongoing but are hampered by mud and difficult terrain. The floods struck a youth summer camp, leading to numerous fatalities among children and counsellors. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the affected area.
Google Rolls Out AI-Powered Search Mode Across India
Google has begun rolling out its new AI Mode in Search to all users in India, a significant change to its core search engine. Initially launched as an opt-in experiment, the feature provides comprehensive, conversational AI-generated answers to queries, supplemented with links to web sources. The AI Mode, which supports text, voice, and image-based searches, will initially be available in English. This move represents a major reimagining of the search experience for millions of Indian users, integrating generative AI directly into search results.
ED Raids 11 Locations in Probe of 'Donkey Route' Human Trafficking
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at 11 locations across Punjab and Haryana in a money-laundering investigation linked to the "Donkey Route" human trafficking case. The probe stems from police FIRs against agents who allegedly charged individuals ₹45-50 lakh for promised legal travel to the US but instead sent them via dangerous, illegal routes. The raids targeted suspects identified through the statements of victims who were deported from the US, as authorities crack down on these illicit networks.
India and Brazil Deepen Ties in Defence, Energy, and Trade
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to Brazil, holding talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to strengthen bilateral relations. The leaders focused on diversifying trade and expanding cooperation in key areas including clean energy, defence, agriculture, space, and AI. During the visit, PM Modi was awarded Brazil's highest civilian honor, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross. The visit, part of a five-nation tour, aims to bolster India's strategic partnerships.
Court Extends Judicial Custody of 26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana
A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, until August 13. Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national and associate of conspirator David Coleman Headley, was extradited from the US to face trial in India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary charge sheet against him, alleging he assisted Headley in scouting targets for the attacks that killed 166 people. The investigation continues to probe his role in the conspiracy.
China Imposes Export Ban on Taiwan's Defence-Linked Companies
China has escalated tensions by imposing an immediate export ban on eight Taiwanese companies, including major aerospace and shipbuilding firms, linked to the island's military. Citing national security, Beijing's Commerce Ministry has prohibited the export of "dual-use" items—goods with both civilian and military applications—to these firms. The move coincides with Taiwan beginning its largest-ever annual Han Kuang military drills, which simulate a defence against a potential Chinese invasion, further straining cross-strait relations.
Indian Air Force Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes in Rajasthan
An Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed in an agricultural field in Rajasthan's Churu district on Wednesday afternoon. The aircraft had taken off from the Suratgarh airbase. The crash occurred around 1:25 pm in Bhanoda village. Details regarding the pilot's condition and the cause of the crash were not immediately available. The incident highlights the operational risks associated with the aging Jaguar fleet, which the IAF has been using for several decades as a deep penetration strike aircraft.
Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Return to Patna After Bird Strike
An IndiGo flight with approximately 175 passengers on board returned to Patna shortly after takeoff on Wednesday due to a technical snag caused by a bird strike. The Delhi-bound flight, IGO5009, reported vibrations in one engine after the bird hit. A local standby was declared at Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, and the aircraft landed safely at 9:03 am. All passengers and crew are safe, and the airline is arranging an alternative flight while the aircraft undergoes a thorough inspection.
Apple Appoints Indian-Origin Sabih Khan as Chief Operating Officer
Apple has promoted Indian-origin executive Sabih Khan to the role of Chief Operating Officer as part of a planned succession. Khan, born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, has been with Apple for 30 years and currently serves as the senior vice president of operations, managing the company's global supply chain. He will take over from Jeff Williams, who is set to retire later this year. The appointment places Khan, an alumnus of Tufts University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in a key leadership position.