US President Donald Trump has said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have assured him that their countries will not provide weapons to Iran, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to raise concerns over a wider regional conflict. Trump said he believes both China and Russia understand the risks of becoming directly involved in the Iran crisis and claimed that the leaders of the two countries have given him guarantees that they will not supply military equipment to Tehran.
According to Trump, his discussions with Xi and Putin focused on preventing further escalation in the Middle East. He said Beijing and Moscow, despite maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, have indicated that they do not want to become part of a military confrontation. The US president’s comments come amid growing international attention on Iran’s defence capabilities and the role of its global partners. Washington has been closely watching whether countries with relations with Tehran could provide military assistance or other forms of strategic support.
China and Russia have historically maintained strong ties with Iran, including cooperation in areas such as energy, trade and defence. However, both nations have also sought to manage their relationships with Tehran while avoiding direct confrontation with the United States and its allies. Trump said he trusts the assurances given by Xi and Putin, describing China and Russia as influential nations whose decisions could affect the direction of the ongoing crisis. He suggested that preventing additional weapons supplies to Iran would help avoid further instability in the region.
The remarks come at a sensitive time as tensions in West Asia remain high. Any direct military involvement by major powers could potentially widen the conflict and create economic and security challenges beyond the region. Energy markets and global governments are closely monitoring developments, particularly because instability in the Middle East can impact oil supplies, shipping routes and international relations.
While Trump has expressed confidence in the commitments made by the Chinese and Russian leaders, questions remain about how Beijing and Moscow will respond if tensions between the US and Iran continue to increase. Washington appears focused on limiting Iran’s access to external military support while keeping diplomatic channels open with major global powers to prevent a broader confrontation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
A bizarre and tragic incident from the days of the 1857 uprising has remained linked to the early history of higher education in Bombay. A violent execution witnessed by a young British educator not only became a haunting memory for him but also marked the beginning of a journey that would influence generations of Indian students and contribute to the intellectual environment around the University of Bombay. The incident took place on October 15, 1857, during the aftermath of the Indian Rebellion against British rule. Two Indian soldiers, a havildar and a sepoy, were publicly executed at Bombay’s Esplanade after being accused of taking part in a suspected mutiny. The British authorities used one of the most brutal forms of punishment of that era — tying prisoners to cannons before firing them.
Among those present at the execution was J.P. Hughlings, a young English professor at Elphinstone College. Historical accounts describe a shocking moment when, after the cannons were fired, a severed limb from one of the executed soldiers was thrown through the air and struck Hughlings. The horrifying scene left a deep impact on him and became one of the most unusual episodes associated with his life in colonial India.
Hughlings’ legacy was not defined by that traumatic event. Instead, he became remembered as a dedicated educator who played an important role in shaping Bombay’s academic culture during a crucial period in India’s educational history. Born in Britain in 1831, Hughlings came to India as part of the growing movement to expand Western-style education under colonial rule. He joined Elphinstone College, one of Bombay’s most important educational institutions, where he taught English and encouraged students to develop intellectual curiosity beyond textbooks and examinations.
At a time when education was largely limited to a small section of society, Hughlings promoted reading, discussion, and independent thinking among his students. He believed that colleges should not simply produce government employees but should create individuals capable of understanding society, politics, and public issues.
His influence reached far beyond the classroom. Several of his students later became major figures in India’s intellectual and public life, including scholar R.G. Bhandarkar, social reformer and judge M.G. Ranade, lawyer and politician K.T. Telang, and public figure D.E. Wacha. These personalities went on to contribute significantly to Indian scholarship, law, social reform, and political thought.
The period was also significant because the University of Bombay was established in 1857, along with the universities of Calcutta and Madras. The institution became a centre for higher education and eventually produced generations of leaders, writers, lawyers, and reformers who shaped modern India. Although Hughlings was not the founder of the University of Bombay, his work at Elphinstone College helped create the academic environment from which many early university students and intellectuals emerged. His teaching methods and commitment to education played a role in building Bombay’s reputation as a hub of learning.
The story also highlights the complicated legacy of colonial education in India. While the education system was introduced under British rule, the institutions it created later became places where Indians developed ideas of social reform, political awareness, and national identity. Hughlings died in 1870, but the impact of his teaching continued through the students he inspired. Today, the University of Mumbai stands as one of India’s oldest and most respected educational institutions, with a history shaped not only by administrators and founders but also by teachers whose influence transformed generations. The strange episode of a severed limb flying across an execution ground may appear like a forgotten footnote of history. Yet behind that disturbing moment lies a larger story about education, ideas, and how unexpected events can become connected to the making of important institutions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Rockets heading into space are increasingly becoming tools designed not just for exploration but also for improving life on Earth. With the rapid growth of satellite technology, space missions are now focused on delivering practical services such as internet connectivity, communication support, weather monitoring, and emergency assistance to people on the ground.
For decades, rockets were mainly associated with scientific discoveries, defence programmes, and ambitious missions beyond Earth. However, the modern space industry is shifting its focus toward creating solutions that directly benefit communities. A rocket’s journey may last only a few minutes, but the satellites it carries can continue operating for years and provide services used by millions of people worldwide.
One of the biggest changes in the space sector is the rise of satellite-based communication. Space agencies and private companies are developing advanced satellite networks that can provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved regions. These systems are expected to play an important role in connecting rural areas, supporting online education, enabling telemedicine, and improving access to digital services.
India is also expanding its role in this changing space landscape. The country’s space programme has traditionally focused on using satellites for national development, including weather forecasting, agriculture monitoring, disaster management, and communication services. With the entry of private space companies, India’s space ecosystem is now witnessing greater innovation in rocket development, satellite manufacturing, and commercial space solutions.
Beyond communication, satellites launched by rockets are becoming valuable tools during natural disasters. When floods, cyclones, earthquakes, or other emergencies damage traditional communication networks, satellites can provide critical information and help authorities coordinate rescue and relief operations. Satellite images also assist governments in tracking environmental changes and planning responses to climate-related challenges.
The agricultural sector is another area benefiting from space technology. Earth observation satellites help monitor crop conditions, rainfall patterns, soil changes, and water availability. This information allows farmers and policymakers to make better decisions and improve resource management. The growing importance of space-based services has also created a new race among countries and companies to develop affordable launch systems and advanced satellite networks. Unlike earlier space competition, where success was measured mainly by reaching orbit or exploring new planets, the current focus is increasingly on how space technology can solve everyday problems.
The expansion of space activities also brings challenges. Increasing numbers of satellites in orbit raise concerns about space debris, orbital congestion, and the need for responsible management of outer space. Scientists and policymakers are working to ensure that future space growth remains safe and sustainable.
As technology advances, rockets are expected to become more than just vehicles for space missions. They are becoming a bridge between outer space and everyday life, carrying systems that improve communication, strengthen disaster response, support industries, and help communities around the world. The future of space exploration may not only be about travelling farther into the universe but also about bringing more benefits of space technology closer to people on Earth.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar for securing India's first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Kumar claimed the bronze medal in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event held in Glasgow, giving India its opening podium finish of the Games. Sharing a photograph of the athlete on X, the Prime Minister praised Kumar's remarkable achievement, describing it as a testament to his hard work, resilience and dedication.
In his message, Modi said Jhandu's bronze-medal performance had opened India's account at the Games and reflected exceptional strength, determination and years of disciplined training. He added that by overcoming numerous challenges and excelling on the international stage, the para powerlifter had made the country proud while inspiring millions across India.
Jhandu secured the bronze with a best lift of 190kg, earning 130.9 points. He began the competition by successfully lifting 181kg, which gave him 124.7 points, before improving to 190kg on his second attempt. That effort briefly placed him at the top of the leaderboard. Chasing the gold medal, Kumar opted for 196kg in his final attempt—a weight that would have surpassed the Commonwealth Games record established at Birmingham 2022. However, he was unable to complete the lift and ultimately finished third to claim the bronze.
His success also marked India's first para powerlifting medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Ashok narrowly missed out on a podium finish after placing fourth in the men's lightweight final. He recorded a personal-best lift of 200kg, scoring 143.8 points. Paramjeet Kumar finished seventh in the same category with a best lift of 176kg.
In the women's lightweight division, Jaspreet Kaur ended sixth after successfully lifting 100kg, while Suman Devi finished seventh with the same weight. Kasthuri Rajamani, competing in the women's heavyweight event, failed to register a valid lift after all three of her attempts were unsuccessful.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has been diagnosed with typhoid but said his illness would not stop the ongoing protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. In a video message, Dipke said he has been undergoing treatment, including IV medication, while thanking supporters for continuing peaceful protests across the country. He expressed confidence that the movement would succeed in achieving its demands. The CJP-led agitation, focused on alleged examination irregularities and education reforms, will continue at Jantar Mantar despite Dipke’s health condition and the end of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
In a conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy during the 50th Labor conference in Adelaide, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas discussed his state’s political battle with One Nation. He said progressive groups should avoid dismissing or talking down to Pauline Hanson’s supporters, arguing that their concerns need to be understood rather than ignored. Addressing the ongoing debate over the AUKUS submarine deal, Malinauskas acknowledged concerns after the US revealed that Virginia-class submarine production rates had not improved. However, he maintained that walking away from the agreement would create greater strategic risks than the challenges surrounding the controversial defence partnership.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On the July 24 episode of Open For Business, hosts Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing are joined by Santosh Rao, Head of Research and Partner at Manhattan Venture Partners, to break down today's market trends.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, while the Houthi movement has announced a blockade of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, placing two of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints under simultaneous pressure. The developments threaten to disrupt key global energy and trade routes, with Saudi Arabia's alternative oil export corridor through the Red Sea also facing increasing uncertainty. In an in-depth discussion, Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the growing economic implications of these developments. Joined by Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco, they explore how financial markets are responding to disrupted supply chains, rising shipping and insurance costs, and the potential for renewed inflationary pressures as global trade routes are forced to adapt.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end, but the tournament will be remembered for far more than the action on the pitch. From debates over hydration breaks, controversial VAR decisions, and a demanding match schedule to growing concerns about football's evolving identity under increasing commercial influence, the competition sparked widespread discussion. Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the tournament's most talked-about controversies alongside Dr. Tom Heenan, a lecturer at the Monash Intercultural Lab at Monash University, offering insights into how these issues shaped the World Cup experience both on and off the field.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
