National News

Meta has defended its contractors posing as teenagers to test rival AI chatbots on sensitive topics like suicide and drugs. The company claims this is standard practice for ensuring AI safety and age-appropriateness, though rivals like OpenAI, Google, and Character. AI deny authorizing such testing. The project reportedly involved thousands of prompts and images, raising questions about data usage and AI safety protocols.

A Mumbai mother defied dire predictions after her son Vihaan's autism diagnosis, refusing to let it define his potential. Despite early struggles with communication and societal judgment, Sayuri Dalvi's unwavering support and focus on shared activities like running helped Vihaan thrive. Now 21, he drives, writes, and inspires thousands, proving that limitations are often societal, not inherent.

Lohagad Fort was temporarily closed Tuesday as police investigate the Ketan Agarwal murder. Accused Chetan Chaudhary will undergo forensic gait analysis to verify his presence at the fort on the day of the incident. Investigators also plan a fresh crime scene reconstruction with Chaudhary and hope to recover his alleged attire. Both Chaudhary and co-accused Siya Goyal are in police custody until July 3.

Europe, once crafted to stay warm during harsh winters, now grapples with a grim new challenge: relentless heatwaves. Buildings that sheltered against frosty temperatures have turned into sweltering traps, revealing a serious flaw in adapting to intense summer heat. With infrastructure buckling under record temperatures and a surge in heat-related fatalities, a fundamental reevaluation of urban planning is desperately needed to face an increasingly hotter reality.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin has exited New York City real estate at a steep loss, selling his stake in struggling landlord A&E Real Estate for just six cents on the dollar. The Bloomberg-reported sale lands as Mayor Zohran Mamdani's rent freeze on one million rent-stabilized apartments squeezes landlords already battered by 2019 rent laws, soaring costs and mounting unpaid rent.

Indian equity markets dipped Tuesday, with IT stocks leading the decline. However, electric vehicle companies surged following Delhi's new EV policy, signaling a boost for clean mobility. While benchmarks faltered, mid- and small-cap segments showed resilience. Analysts suggest the market is in a consolidation phase, with positive long-term prospects for EV adoption despite broader caution.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered the Round of 32 stage. This is the first knockout round of the expanded 48-team tournament. Fans around the world are ready for some of the biggest matches of the competition. Every game is now a win-or-go-home contest. The Round of 32 matches are being played from June 28 to July 3.

A Pune realtor's tragic fall from Lohagad Fort has led to the arrest of his fiancée and her alleged paramour, believed to be involved in his death. Reports indicate that the victim had voiced concerns regarding infidelity and was troubled by his fiancée's actions before the fatal incident. Ignoring family warnings about her history due to their connections, the investigation now delves deeper into this suspected murder case.

A consumer's fight against BSNL has been vindicated by the Madhya Pradesh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The commission upheld an order for BSNL to restore a landline connection and pay Rs 15,000 in compensation. BSNL failed to provide evidence for its claims of cable damage and inability to repair, leading the commission to dismiss their appeal as baseless.

A four-year-old boy, Nirbhay, tragically fell into a 220-foot-deep borewell in Ambala's Dhanaura village while playing near his father. Rescue operations involving NDRF, SDRF, and the Army are underway. The incident occurred around 6:30 am when the child was reportedly throwing soil into the open borewell and slipped. Authorities were alerted after initial rescue attempts by family and locals failed.

On Tuesday afternoon, a fire incident occurred at the Parikrama Restaurant on Barakhamba Road in central Delhi, prompting an urgent reaction from emergency crews. The Delhi Fire Service effectively controlled the fire, ensuring there were no reports of injuries. The initial outbreak took place at approximately 3:40 pm, and further details will be provided as the investigation unfolds.

Former India captain Ajay Jadeja lauded Ben Stokes' retirement, calling it the "right call" and a testament to his refusal to be dictated by external forces. Jadeja admired Stokes' principled stand, suggesting the all-rounder wouldn't tolerate administrators controlling his personal life. Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar expressed sadness, calling Stokes' departure an "end of an era" and highlighting his match-winning prowess on the big stage.

The incident took place near Heritage Pride and was reported to the Mumbai Fire Brigade at 2.58 pm. Fire brigade personnel, police, a 108 ambulance and BMC ward staff rushed to the spot and carried out a rescue operation. Officials said all 15 students were travelling in the Universal High School van when the tree was uprooted and fell on the vehicle.

A Madhya Pradesh dental association has suspended its treasurer, Dr. Muskan Soni, for five years after she allegedly justified the murder of a Pune businessman on social media. The association cited "acts of indiscipline" and "highly inappropriate, offensive and disrespectful remarks" as reasons for the severe action. Despite an apology, the organization deemed it insufficient, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for conduct undermining ethical standards and professional dignity.

As the Amarnath yatra approaches, the Army has implemented a state-of-the-art security system featuring advanced drone detection technology and anti-aircraft weaponry to address aerial threats. Collaborating with various security agencies, this holistic strategy guarantees ongoing monitoring along pilgrimage routes. This comprehensive security arrangement is designed to protect the thousands of devotees participating in this important annual Hindu event.

Day 19 saw Brazil survive Japan, Germany lose their penalty superpower, and Morocco send the Dutch into another philosophical crisis. Read this and more in today's Offside.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut remains elusive despite strong IPL form, as the team suffered a shock T20I series loss to Ireland. With top-order struggles persisting, the upcoming England series presents a potential opportunity for the young batting star. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Sooryavanshi's readiness but emphasised the need for patience and backing established players.

A father's decision to take his young daughters into an empty women's restroom at a gas station sparked a viral debate. Tyler Brodsky chose this over the men's room's condition and occupancy. Another man's confrontation and call to police, however, divided parents on child safety versus women's privacy. Police later confirmed Brodsky did nothing wrong, highlighting the difficult choices parents face.