Latest News, Analysis & Explainers

Pakistan's defence commitments with Saudi Arabia face a major test as Houthi attacks escalate. Here’s what the pact means, Pakistan’s possible role and why India is watching.

Why are the Houthis attacking Saudi Arabia again? The renewed conflict is rooted in Yemen’s civil war, Saudi intervention, Iran’s ties with the Houthis and growing tensions around the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.

UPI users will not pay extra simply for transactions above ₹2,000. Here’s what changes under the new MDR rules from October 15, 2026, who pays the charge, and which UPI transactions remain free.

Modi and Xi’s 2026 meeting in New Delhi signals a cautious thaw in India-China relations. Here’s what it means for border tensions, trade, BRICS and the strategic rivalry between Asia’s two powers.

India hosts the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi on September 12–13. Here’s why the meeting matters for the Global South, geopolitics, trade, energy security and India’s growing global role.

Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia have reignited the Yemen conflict, drawn Pakistan and Iran into a diplomatic confrontation and added new pressure to global oil and shipping markets.

Al-Qaeda has evolved from a centrally controlled organisation into a dispersed global network. Here’s how its leadership, funding and major regional affiliates operate today.

India-Japan trade reached $27.47 billion in FY2025 - 26. We examine how investment, semiconductors, manufacturing and a possible CEPA review could reshape bilateral commerce and support a potential $50 billion trade relationship by 2030.

Google Maps is expanding Ask Maps in India with Hindi support, Personal Intelligence, conversation memory and real-time public transport updates powered by Gemini AI.

Nepal allows Indian and Nepali nationals to carry Indian ₹200 and redesigned ₹500 notes issued on or after November 9, 2016, up to ₹25,000 per person. Old ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes issued before that date remain prohibited under Nepal's currency rules

EPFO members can check their FY 2025–26 interest by logging into the official EPFO Member Passbook portal and viewing their updated passbook. EPFO has set the annual interest rate at 8.25%. Some accounts may take additional time to reflect the updated interest entry.

The Trump administration has imposed a 10% tariff on Indian goods under a new US trade action targeting the enforcement of restrictions on imports linked to forced labour. The tariff took effect on July 24, 2026, under Section 301 of the Trade Act.

The Centre is ready to discuss the NEET paper leak in Parliament, Union Minister J.P. Nadda said on July 23, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced fast-track courts for paper-leak cases as the government considers stronger measures to protect examination integrity.

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9, introducing its latest generation of smartwatches with AI-powered health insights, upgraded processors, brighter displays and new fitness and wellness tracking features. Image: Samsung Electronics Samsung Electronics announced the two wearables on July 22 alongside its latest Galaxy devices, positioning the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 as its high-performance smartwatch for outdoor and endurance activities, while the Gala

Abhijeet Dipke and Sonam Wangchuk have emerged as two prominent faces of the CJP agitation. Updated+ examines how a student-focused protest grew into a wider debate over education, accountability and political leadership.

Apple has unveiled the next generation of Apple Intelligence, expanding artificial intelligence across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Vision Pro with a new Siri AI, smarter Safari tools, advanced photo editing, photorealistic Image Playground and deeper automation. The new architecture also incorporates Apple Foundation Models developed in collaboration with Google and its Gemini models. Image Credit: Apple News Room Apple Intelligence 2026 Apple is significantly expandin

The United States has issued a worldwide travel alert for Americans abroad amid escalating tensions with Iran. US citizens are being urged to exercise increased caution, monitor State Department and embassy security alerts, and prepare for possible travel disruptions, particularly in the Middle East.

Gujarat ranked first among large states in NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index 2026, followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The index evaluates all 28 states and eight Union Territories using 84 indicators across eight pillars, including infrastructure, business climate, regulation and government policy.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (CETA) came into force on July 15, 2026, giving nearly 99% of Indian exports duty-free access to the UK market. The agreement also expands opportunities for Indian service providers and introduces a five-year social security exemption for eligible professionals working temporarily in the UK.

India's defence capital expenditure could rise to ₹2.8 trillion by FY2030, according to Kotak Institutional Equities. The projected growth is driven by military modernisation, indigenous manufacturing, expanding drone procurement and higher defence exports, supported by the government's push for self-reliance in defence production.