Times of India

In a radical move, Ignaz Semmelweis mandated handwashing in hospitals, drastically reducing maternal mortality rates. Despite evidence supporting his approach, he faced fierce opposition from fellow medical professionals, as he couldn't provide a scientific rationale for his findings. Much later, the establishment of germ theory validated his revolutionary work, leading to fundamental changes in medical practices that ultimately saved innumerable lives.

Mumbai experienced severe disruptions due to heavy rains and strong winds for the third consecutive day. Torrential showers also affected other regions, with Palghar district being the worst hit. Schools and colleges were declared closed in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad due to the ongoing weather warnings. Transport services faced significant disruptions, including train cancellations and highway closures due to landslides and waterlogging.

An Indian senior citizen's account of navigating the US healthcare system has gone viral after an X user Adhir Sinha shared it on the social media platform. The post claimed that medicines costing around Rs 2,500 in India ended up costing the equivalent of Rs 42,000 in the US, sparking a debate about healthcare costs and everyday conveniences in India and the United States.

Barak Valley recorded 148 newborn deaths over three months. Cachar district reported the highest fatalities, followed by Sribhumi and Hailakandi. Deaths were mainly due to birth asphyxia and low birth weight. Rural healthcare infrastructure and delayed referrals worsened the situation. Investment in rural maternal and child healthcare is urgently needed.

The Allahabad High Court has directed the central government and ASI to file responses. This follows a petition challenging an Agra court's refusal to allow a Taj Mahal survey. Petitioners claim the monument is an ancient Hindu temple called Tejo Mahalaya. They seek permission to perform prayers and conduct a survey. The court is asked to set aside lower court orders and decide the application.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri defended former general secretary Champat Rai following his resignation over a donation theft case, calling him "untainted" and his decision voluntary. The trust accepted resignations of Rai and trustee Anil Mishra after a preliminary report. Krishna Mohan takes over as interim general secretary, and a committee will recommend a permanent replacement.

US President Donald Trump said he personally asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the red card and one-match suspension handed to Team USA striker Folarin Balogun, a move that has sparked major controversy at the FIFA World Cup, according to CNN.

The 2026 World Cup was always going to be too big to remain just football. It is the first 48-team edition, spread across the US, Mexico and Canada, stretched over 104 matches and sold as the biggest, grandest and most lucrative tournament FIFA has ever staged. It is also being played in the year America marks its 250th anniversary, which gives Donald Trump exactly the kind of backdrop he understands instinctively: flags, stadiums, anthems, cameras, national theatre and the possibility of a home team carrying the pageant deeper into the month.

Police uncovered an alleged murder plot by a wife and her associates. The victim was initially reported to have fallen from a cot. Sedatives and cleaning liquid were allegedly administered through a cannula. The accused attempted to pass the death off as an accident. Three individuals, including the wife, were arrested for the crime.

Sanju Samson misses out on India's T20I squad for Zimbabwe due to a slump in form, having struggled in recent outings. Shreyas Iyer will lead the 15-member team, which includes a maiden call-up for pacer Ashok Sharma and retains young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube has been added to the ODI squad as a replacement.

Erling Haaland has become one of the biggest stories of the FIFA World Cup 2026. While the Norway striker has impressed on the pitch, one of his family members has unexpectedly grabbed attention off it. His older sister, Gabrielle Braut Haaland, has gone viral after cameras spotted her cheering from the stands.

A Nashik court granted bail to a woman accused in a sexual harassment and religious conversion case at TCS, citing her pregnancy. However, her co-accused was denied bail. The prosecution alleged evidence of sexual assault and attempts to convert the victim, a Scheduled Caste employee, to Islam. A Special Investigation Team is probing multiple related cases at the TCS unit.

Families impacted by enforced disappearances and staged encounters during the tumultuous years of Punjab’s militancy are passionately advocating for the screening of the controversial film 'Satluj'. They assert that the film sheds light on a vital yet suppressed segment of their history. Many recounted harrowing tales of loved ones taken by police and never seen again, with news of deaths often emerging from informal sources.

Microsoft has laid off 4,800 employees, about 2.1% of its global workforce, as its new fiscal year begins, with Xbox and commercial sales taking the biggest hits. HR chief Amy Coleman told employees the business is changing because the industry around it is changing, insisting AI isn't replacing these roles. Xbox alone loses 1,600 jobs now, with 3,200 more planned this year as CEO Asha Sharma resets the gaming division.

Krishna Mohan has taken over as interim general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, replacing Champat Rai who resigned citing moral responsibility amidst donation embezzlement allegations. Trustee Anil Mishra also stepped down. The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a probe, and an FIR has been registered with several arrests made. The Trust emphasizes thorough investigation and administrative reforms for enhanced transparency.

Saudi Arabia has slashed its crude oil prices for Asian customers by a significant $11 per barrel for August, the largest reduction in over two decades. This move reflects weakening demand in Asia and easing geopolitical tensions, which have stabilized global oil markets. With supply conditions improving and Middle Eastern shipping routes normalizing, Saudi Aramco is adjusting its strategy to maintain market share amidst increased competition.