Steve Rosenberg: Russian government clearly nervous as country faces economic challenges

Iran is weighing its options for retaliation after the U.S. carried out strikes targeting its nuclear program. Iranian leaders had previously warned the U.S. to back off, threatening serious regional repercussions if it didn’t. Now, with tensions boiling over, the big question is how—and where—Iran might strike back, whether through proxy forces, cyberattacks, or direct military action.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another flare-up in a long-running feud—it’s a dangerous escalation that could spill over into wider conflict. Iran has a history of using proxy groups across the Middle East, so any retaliation could destabilize an already volatile region. For the U.S. and its allies, the stakes are high, especially with nuclear negotiations hanging in the balance. If things spiral, we could be looking at a major security crisis.

Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, just rolled out two big policy changes. First, Anganwadi workers—who play a crucial role in child and maternal care—are getting a major boost with 50% reservation for supervisor positions. Second, in a landmark move for LGBTQ+ rights, the transgender community in Assam has been granted OBC (Other Backward Class) status, along with identity cards for original inhabitants.

Editor’s Note: These decisions signal a push for both grassroots empowerment and inclusivity. The quota hike could improve career prospects for Anganwadi workers, often underpaid and overworked, while OBC status for trans people opens doors to education and job reservations—a rare win for marginalized communities in India’s often contentious political landscape. It’s a step toward bridging gaps, but implementation will be key.

England's Brydon Carse struck early on day three of the first Test, removing India's Yashasvi Jaiswal for just four runs with a sharp delivery that caught the edge. The wicket left India at 16-1 in their second innings, giving England a crucial early advantage at Headingley.

Editor’s Note: Early wickets can shift the momentum in Test cricket, and Carse's breakthrough puts India on the back foot. For fans, it’s a tense moment—India’s top order crumbling early could spell trouble, while England supporters will see this as a chance to seize control of the match. Every run (or lack thereof) matters in a tight Test series.

Jasprit Bumrah just pulled off something extraordinary—joining cricket legend Kapil Dev with a record 12 five-wicket hauls in overseas Tests. His latest masterclass, a five-wicket demolition of England at Headingley, also made him the first Asian bowler to hit 150 wickets in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia). And he did it in just 34 matches, proving yet again why he’s India’s most lethal fast bowler.

Editor’s Note: Bumrah isn’t just having a great series—he’s rewriting history. For cricket fans, this cements his status as one of India’s all-time greats, especially in tough overseas conditions where fast bowlers often struggle. It’s a big deal because it shows India’s pace attack, long overshadowed by spinners, can now dominate globally. And for Bumrah? Well, he’s now in the same sentence as Kapil Dev—no small feat.

If you're a freelancer or gig worker, filing taxes just got a bit clearer—you'll need to use either ITR-3 or ITR-4 forms for the 2024-25 financial year. According to tax expert Amarpal Chadha from EY India, income from freelance work falls under the "Profits and Gains from Business or Profession" category, so make sure you pick the right form to avoid headaches later.

Editor’s Note: Taxes can be confusing, especially for freelancers who don’t have an employer handling deductions. This story cuts through the noise by clarifying which forms to use—helping independent workers stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes. It’s a small but essential detail for anyone hustling in the gig economy.