Is cracking your knuckles harmful? Surgeon explains if popping sounds are safe

Cracking your knuckles is generally harmless, according to Dr. Amite Pankaj Aggarwal, a senior orthopaedic surgeon, unless it becomes painful or frequent enough to interfere with daily activities, prompting a healthcare consultation. The popping sound arises from gas bubbles in joint fluid. Over time, excessive forceful cracking could lead to discomfort or injury. Always seek professional medical advice for joint concerns.

Odisha police summon ex-IAS officer V.K. Pandian over missing inquiry reports

Odisha Police have summoned former IAS officer V.K. Pandian regarding the disappearance of two inquiry reports tied to the 2008 killing of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and the 2016 SUM Hospital fire. The investigation, prompted by an FIR on possible criminal breaches, continues as officials seek accountability for these significant missing documents. Laxmanananda’s murder instigated severe communal violence, and the hospital fire resulted in 24 fatalities.

Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari booked in arms licence records case

The Uttar Pradesh Police have filed a criminal case against Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari over irregularities in arms licences linked to the IS-191 gang. Missing records and improper transactions were uncovered during an investigation initiated by DIG Vaibhav Krishna. The inquiry revealed collusion among arms clerks to conceal documents, facilitating the gang’s criminal activities.

Chaudhary leads BJP protest in Lucknow, terms Cong Delhi sit-in ‘political desperation’

The Uttar Pradesh BJP protested against Congress for a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's residence, deeming it "anti-national." Led by Pankaj Chaudhary, hundreds participated, facing heavy police presence and barricades. Chaudhary accused Congress of political desperation, urging them to use parliamentary channels instead of street protests. He highlighted the government's development initiatives for students during the protest.

Stepping up: India’s big contenders at the Commonwealth Games

India makes a significant return to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with notable athletes like Neeraj Chopra and Mirabai Chanu leading a contingent of 124 athletes competing in 13 disciplines. The Games serve as crucial preparation for upcoming Asian Games, despite reduced sports participation that alters medal expectations. Originating with Milkha Singh's gold in 1958, the CWG holds historic importance for India.

'Nation needs you': Opposition MPs appeal to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast

Opposition MPs have urged climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike, citing his pivotal role in advocating for India's youth, environmental protection, and educational reform. They emphasized his importance to the nation, stating, "The youth need your wisdom far more than your sacrifice." The MPs' visit included discussions on continued support for Wangchuk's causes.

Counsel students to study and not divert energy on protests, Universities told

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) urges higher education institutions to guide students to prioritize academics over participating in ongoing protests, as many have skipped classes for activism, jeopardizing their educational progress. The AIU emphasizes that students’ engagement in protests could significantly impact their academic commitments, highlighting the need for a balanced approach amidst the unrest.

‘Will bomb bridge, power plants if ships struck in Hormuz’: Trump warns Iran

In a stark warning, President Trump declared that the US will retaliate against Iran by targeting bridges and power plants for each ship struck in the crucial Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing military strikes and collapsing diplomatic talks. Over 53 Iranians have been killed, and tensions are escalating as oil prices surge, reflecting the crisis.

Iran Shows Its Ballistic Missiles Are Still a Force to Reckon With

Iran's recent missile attacks on Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, killing two U.S. servicemembers, reveal that its missile and drone capabilities remain a significant threat to American forces and allies, despite claims of military destruction. Analysts indicate Iran has resumed operations using its Kheibar Shekan system, undermining U.S. air defense. Background shows prior U.S. efforts to dismantle Iran’s missile infrastructure faced limitations.

Jana Nayagan tickets sold at illegally hiked prices in TN despite ₹190 cap

Fans are demanding strict action from Chief Minister Vijay against illegal ticket price hikes for his film *Jana Nayagan*, which is priced at Rs 190 but being sold for as much as Rs 700. Videos circulating online show heated disputes between fans and theatre managers over inflated prices, raising concerns about corruption in the process. *Jana Nayagan*, starring Vijay and others, releases on July 23.

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must have rectified where he went wrong': Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer believes India's young players, including debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, will bounce back in the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe after recent defeats. Despite struggling initially, Iyer emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and playing without the fear of failure. This series offers a chance for India to regain confidence following setbacks against Ireland and England.

Jeetendra recalls buying Mumbai bungalow for ₹4.25 lakh, land now worth ₹450cr

Veteran actor Jeetendra, a major Bollywood star in the 1980s, revealed in a recent interview how he purchased a bungalow from the late actor Bharat Bhushan for just ₹4.25 lakh, a property now worth around ₹450 crore. Despite initial fears of misfortune linked to the home, it became a lucrative investment, yielding ₹11.5 lakh for its wood alone. Jeetendra has starred in over 200 films since 1964, earning the nickname "Jumping Jack."

UP announces one-time municipal tax settlement with full waiver

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a four-month one-time settlement scheme for municipal tax defaulters, running from August 15 to December 15, allowing property owners to clear pending dues without interest or surcharge. Covering all urban local bodies, the initiative aims to recover over ₹1,500 crore in revenue while improving tax compliance and easing financial burdens on residents. Background efforts include awareness campaigns and online application support. Strict recovery measures will follow for those who do not participate.

Shahidi resigns as AFG ODI captain after leading team through historic era

Hashmatullah Shahidi has resigned as Afghanistan's ODI captain, a role he held since 2022, but will remain part of the ODI team. His tenure included leading Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. Shahidi expressed gratitude for his team's support, emphasizing collective achievements. He also serves as the Test captain and made history in Afghanistan's cricket.

AMD to invest up to $5 billion in Anthropic as AI startup buys AMD chips

AMD plans to invest up to $5 billion in AI startup Anthropic, conditioned on meeting specific deployment milestones. Anthropic will acquire up to 2 gigawatts of AMD’s latest AI chips beginning in 2027. This partnership strengthens AMD's competitiveness against Nvidia in the AI chip market as demand for computing power surges among AI developers.

Cetirizine hydrochloride: Why was the allergy medication recalled?

A voluntary recall of cetirizine hydrochloride tablets has been issued due to potential contamination with ranitidine, posing serious risks for sensitive individuals. Rising Pharma Holdings announced the recall on July 18 for four lots of the allergy medication. The contamination was discovered during routine checks. Consumers should stop using the product and consult healthcare providers.

Gastroenterologist shares 4 steps to improve gut health in place of detox drinks

To maintain optimal gut health, gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi emphasizes daily fiber intake, consumption of fermented foods, increased walking, and adequate hydration. Women should aim for 25 grams of fiber, men 38 grams. Contrary to detox trends, Dr. Sethi asserts that a balanced diet and lifestyle are sufficient for gut health, leveraging the body's natural detoxification.

Promise no legal action against protesters, will end hunger strike: Sonam Wangchuk tells govt

Activist Sonam Wangchuk will end his hunger strike if the government assures no punitive action against young protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party’s Parliament march. His calls for justice follow police violence and accusations tied to the NEET-UG paper leak protests. Wangchuk emphasizes the need for genuine dialogue and has outlined conditions for halting the movement.

Back to a fuel Strait-jacket

US-Iran tensions escalate after a vague ceasefire memorandum aimed at ending conflicts in West Asia, leading to disruptions in Strait of Hormuz traffic. Brent crude oil prices exceed $95 amid concerns over fuel supply shocks. The US response remains uncertain; military action could escalate costs, while allowing Iranian control presents strategic challenges. A long-term resolution remains elusive.

Call out Pakistan’s bluff on Indus treaty

Pakistan continues to deploy anti-India rhetoric to divert attention from its internal challenges, with deputy PM Ishaq Dar citing the “weaponisation of water” amid economic distress and protests. The government’s focus on India, especially after the Indus Water Treaty issues post-terrorist attacks, reflects a long-standing strategy dating back to Muhammad Ali Jinnah. New Delhi must counter these claims effectively.

Nolan Wells autopsy: 5 shocking things to know about preliminary finding

Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old college football player, was found deceased on July 6 after going missing during a trip to Horn Island, Mississippi; the cause and manner of death remain undetermined, as investigations continue. An independent autopsy was conducted in Washington, DC, and findings are pending, while Wells' tragic story is supported by attorney Ben Crump.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra shares a lot with the Z Fold7: What sets it apart?

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, featuring a 13% larger battery and 45W fast charging, enhancing efficiency without radical changes. While it boasts improved AI features and a more durable display, the phone remains an iterative upgrade from the Z Fold7, appealing mainly to first-time foldable buyers amid rising market demand and competition.

Adobe brings Acrobat to WhatsApp, as chats evolve into document workspaces

Adobe has integrated its Acrobat PDF management features within WhatsApp, allowing users to view and collaborate on documents directly within the messaging app, streamlining workflows. This free service does not require additional subscriptions. With over 3.3 billion monthly active users, this partnership enhances WhatsApp's functionality, reinforcing its role in global communication and enterprise solutions.

Joint pain during monsoon: Why it happens and when you should see a doctor

Joint pain often worsens during the rainy season, particularly for those with arthritis. Changes in barometric pressure can lead to tissue swelling, heightening discomfort. Additionally, reduced physical activity and vitamin D deficiency during this time contribute to stiffness. It's essential to consult a doctor for persistent symptoms, as they may indicate serious underlying conditions.

Samsung expands Galaxy Watch lineup with the new Watch Ultra2 and Watch9

Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 at its London Galaxy Unpacked event, emphasizing AI-powered health tracking, enhanced performance, and battery life. The Ultra2 features a rugged design, bright display, and advanced sports features, while the Galaxy Watch9 is tailored for everyday use with seamless tracking capabilities. Both smartwatches incorporate new health-monitoring tools for improved wellness insights.

Ayesha Khan pushed into van and detained by Mumbai Police

Actor Ayesha Khan was forcibly detained by Mumbai police while peacefully expressing solidarity for student protests on Wednesday. She questioned her detention and lack of accountability from officers during the event, which has sparked ongoing protests across various cities. Ayesha highlighted a disturbing trend where citizens are silenced for exercising their democratic rights. Protests continue nationwide.

DU Admissions: Aspirants, don’t make the mistake of uploading AI generated document

In a concerning trend, Delhi University has warned against applicants submitting AI-generated or manipulated documents during undergraduate admissions, leading to potential cancellations and legal repercussions. Officials detected multiple instances of forgery, prompting implementation of an AI-enabled verification system. Experts and mentors stress the importance of authenticity, urging students to avoid shortcuts in their applications.

Daniel Said found dead in France: 5 things to know about ‘Epstein trafficker’

Daniel Siad, a modelling scout linked to Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead in his Paris home amid reports of cardiac arrest. The 69-year-old was under investigation for alleged involvement in Epstein's trafficking of women. In the decade leading up to Epstein's 2019 death, Siad communicated with him frequently, prompting scrutiny surrounding his role in enabling Epstein’s offenses.

Bengal: Toxic gases slow rescue ops in South Sikkim tunnel blast, toll reaches 13

A methane explosion in the Teesta Stage-VI Hydel Project tunnel in south Sikkim has resulted in 13 confirmed deaths with 12 workers still missing. Rescue efforts are hampered by high levels of poisonous gases, mud, and poor visibility. A total of 25 workers were trapped after the explosion, believed to be caused by a gas leak during drilling.

No MBA, No Engineering Degree: Can an AI Digital Marketing Course

Recruiters in Delhi NCR are prioritizing candidates' ability to build and optimize rather than their educational background, reflecting a shift in hiring practices driven by AI and big data. Course Unbox addresses this gap by providing hands-on training in digital marketing. Founded in 2024, it emphasizes real-world skills over theoretical knowledge, preparing learners for diverse career paths in the evolving digital economy.