'Inflated medicine prices are daylight robbery': SC pulls up pharma companies over huge MRP-PTR gap

European pharma chiefs warn region risks losing ground to America, China

Drugmakers for months have been warning they could curtail investments and delay the release of new medications in Europe, widening a disparity in access with the US, unless the region's healthcare systems agree to boost spending.

Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi who disguised herself as man wins Asian Games silver

Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi won a silver medal in the women's road race at the Asian Games near Nagoya, Japan, after overcoming restrictions on women in Afghanistan and leaving the country following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Hashimi, who once trained disguised as a man, said she hoped her medal would inspire Afghan women and future generations to pursue their dreams without fear.

Iran is waiting to see how I do in mid-term election: Trump

Trump called for the complete economic isolation of Iran in his UN speech, while saying he expected a deal with Tehran after the November midterm elections. Iran said it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if US military pressure and the blockade on Iranian ports were eased. Trump also described Cuba as a failed state.

UK to provide Saudi Arabia defensive air-refuelling support against Houthis

The UK has decided to assist Saudi Arabia's military by providing defensive air-to-air refueling support. This agreement follows a request made by Saudi Arabia to enhance their operational capabilities against the Houthi militants. Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed that this military help would be the first of its kind from a foreign country. Saudi Arabia has also sought similar support from the Americans to bolster their defenses.

US midterm elections 2026: A new Congress could change Trump's legislative agenda; what house control means for Washington

US midterm elections 2026: Forecasts suggest that Democrats could clinch around 226 seats in the House during the 2026 midterm elections, while the Senate election is shaping up to be a tightly contested affair. This period will be pivotal for Congress as it navigates funding the government and raising the debt ceiling for President Trump.

Artificial sounds fake!': Trump claims he will rename AI to 'more accurate' term'super intelligence'

'Inflated medicine prices are daylight robbery': SC pulls up pharma companies over huge MRP-PTR gap

Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the wide gap between the price to retailer and MRP of some cancer medicines, calling inflated pricing a serious issue for patients and taxpayers. The bench said such disparities could lead to excessive costs under government health schemes and sought greater scrutiny of medicine pricing. The court was hearing a petition on generic prescriptions and price controls.

Maharashtra drought deepens, crop output crisis mounts

State agriculture minister Dattatray Bharane has confirmed a large contraction in the production of cotton and soybean, while the agriculture department has initiated an early crop assessment to calculate compensation as farmers are removing wilted crops from fields.

DNA reveals four gentoo penguin species instead of one after more than 100 years. Scientists now fear some island populations could lose their homes to global warming

New genomic research has resolved a century-old debate over gentoo penguins, revealing four distinct species rather than one with several subspecies. The newly recognised Kerguelen gentoo lives on remote islands in the Southern Indian Ocean. Scientists warn that warming temperatures could shrink habitats for several island populations, making conservation increasingly important.

Look beyond premiumisation: FM Nirmala Sitharaman to India Inc

Sitharaman made a strong pitch for better-governed family businesses and greater corporate spending on research and development. She said the next 20 years would require Indian businesses to move beyond the creation of startups towards building enterprises that could scale, professionalise and endure.

Man tries to commit insurance fraud by setting car ablaze, blames fire on accident; arrested

Gondal Taluka police in Rajkot district have initiated proceedings against 26-year-old Deep Virdiya, who allegedly set his overturned car on fire to create the appearance of accidental damage and claim insurance money. Police said petrol was poured over the vehicle before it was ignited, while Virdiya allegedly told investigators the fire was caused by a short circuit.