Times of India

A new defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey has been signed. This agreement is seen as a setback for India's regional interests. China may benefit commercially from increased weapon system access. However, the pact could also reduce US military focus in West Asia. This shift might allow greater US attention on China's growing influence.

William Arnold embarked on a mission to save a secluded phone box on a distant island. To meet Ofcom's operational requirements, he placed fifty-two calls, ensuring that the kiosk remains available for another year. His dedication underscores the vital role public call boxes play in isolated communities, urging others to engage with and support these local resources.

India is expanding its energy import portfolio for both LNG and crude oil, striving to diminish reliance on any singular market or transport path. Additionally, the government is boosting domestic crude oil storage with new infrastructure. These strategies equip India to better handle supply interruptions and market fluctuations, ultimately strengthening the nation's resilience to global energy shocks.

ONGC and Shell Energy India have entered into a memorandum of understanding to collaboratively delve into potential joint ventures. Their focus will be on assessing opportunities in deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil and gas exploration, alongside investigating LNG sourcing alternatives to bolster India's economic framework. This strategic partnership is designed to improve energy accessibility while ensuring long-term energy security for the nation.

India has successfully developed a 350 kg class expendable turbojet engine for missiles. The nation also demonstrated a 5 kN thrust class rotating detonation engine. This engine technology promises faster and longer-range missile capabilities. These advancements position India among select nations with advanced propulsion systems. Future applications include drones and launch vehicle upper stages.

Keely Hodgkinson seeks a historic third European 800m gold medal in Birmingham. She faces strong competition from Audrey Werro and Femke Bol. Hodgkinson views a home victory as special as her Olympic success. She considers her Stockholm defeat a sign of developing competition. The women's 800m final is scheduled for Friday evening.

Texas homeowners are increasingly finding that insurance companies are using aerial images of their properties to assess risks and decide whether to renew policies. Insurers use satellite, aircraft and third-party imagery, with some companies using AI to analyse roofs and identify possible damage. While insurers say the technology is faster and more efficient, consumer advocates warn that outdated or inaccurate images can lead to wrong decisions.

Indian-origin chess prodigies Bodhana Sivanandan, 11, and Shreyas Royal, 17, won the women’s and open titles at the 2026 British Chess Championships. Bodhana became the youngest British women’s champion, while Royal secured his first open title. Both have risen rapidly in chess, with Bodhana earning multiple honours and Royal becoming England’s youngest grandmaster at 15.

The Prime Minister's Office said Rahman "emphasised the need to create a conducive environment to further advance the bilateral relations between the two countries". Dhaka also called on New Delhi to expedite Hasina's extradition, according to the statement Hasina has been living in India since the fall of her government. She faces legal proceedings in Bangladesh and was sentenced to death in November.

Between 2025 and 2026, Elon Musk's fortune saw remarkable growth, accumulating billions as a result of SpaceX's impressive stock performance. Despite heightened spending on artificial intelligence initiatives, the company reported solid revenue and significantly reduced losses. The concentration of wealth among technology giants remains staggering, with the U.S. at the forefront. By 2029, SpaceX is on track to surpass one trillion dollars in revenue.

Commercial property prices in Germany declined in the second quarter, halting a streak of five consecutive quarters of growth. This drop was largely driven by mounting inflation worries and increasing interest rates. While office and retail spaces saw a year-on-year decrease of one percent, residential properties continued their gradual appreciation. The market's outlook will be determined by the resolution of ongoing geopolitical disputes.

Food safety regulations are having a moment in Maharashtra and Karnataka, with enforcement efforts stepping up significantly. Officials stumbled upon unlicensed vendors and alarming levels of unsanitary conditions, including rotten meat and expired dairy products. In Bengaluru, hotels are facing consequences for issues like poor labeling and inadequate food storage. Authorities are bolstering checks following numerous public complaints about food quality.

UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC have attacked FIFA president Gianni Infantino. They accuse him of a fundamental breach of trust over World Cup sale plans. The confederations believe this is a failure of judgment, not just communication. FIFA defended Infantino, calling the criticism an effort to undermine him. Infantino apologised for the process surrounding the World Cup proposal.