India

‘CJP twisted CJI remark’: SC seeks govt, CBI response on PIL

Kashmiri Pandits’ security stepped up after ‘threat letter’ from Lashkar arm

Terror suspects spotted, search ops launched in J&K’s Doda & Poonch

HC bins plea of J&K cop sacked for skipping duty over terror threat

Delhi Govt Schools to Add Idli-Sambar to PM-POSHAN Meal Menu

Delhi government schools are set to introduce idli-sambar as part of their mid-day meal programme within the next two weeks. The change comes under a revised PM-POSHAN menu aimed at diversifying the food options available to students. Alongside idli-sambar, the updated menu will also replace ragi halwa with wheat flour and chana masala. The revisions reflect an effort to refresh and broaden the nutritional offerings served to schoolchildren in the capital.

Row erupts over plans to convert listed pub in UK into mosque

Nine Dead in Lightning Strikes Across Three Bihar Districts

At least nine people lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Bihar, according to an official statement released on Tuesday. The fatalities were spread across three districts in the state. The deaths occurred within a 24-hour period, highlighting the deadly impact of the weather event. Authorities confirmed the casualties through an official communication.

Trump Claims Direct Putin Call Secured Release of Jailed Ex-US Marine

Robert Gilman, a former US Marine, has been released from a Russian prison following what Donald Trump described as a personal conversation with Vladimir Putin. Gilman had been sentenced in 2022 by a court in southwestern Russia to four and a half years in prison. He was convicted on charges of assaulting a police officer. Trump credited the direct dialogue with Putin as the key factor that led to Gilman's release.

Five Unusual Places Trump Took Cover During His Presidency

During his time in office, Donald Trump was moved to or sought shelter in a number of unconventional locations. Some of these instances were triggered by genuine security threats requiring protective action. Others were reportedly prompted by protests taking place near the president. At least one occasion involved avoiding media attention rather than any security concern. The locations ranged from an airport truck and a bunker to a golf cart.

Court Upholds Denial of Maternity Leave for Government Employee's Fourth Child

A government employee in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, challenged an official order that denied her maternity leave for her fourth child. The Block Education Officer of Sambhal's Bheem Nagar block had issued the rejection order on June 19. The court reviewed her petition contesting this denial. The ruling upheld the position that government employees are not entitled to maternity leave beyond their third child.

Punjab BJP Chief Questions Rahul Gandhi's Absence After Jharkhand Student Lathi-Charge

Punjab BJP president Kewal Dhillon has questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for not visiting Ranchi after police used lathi-charge on protesting students in Jharkhand. Dhillon questioned why Gandhi, who often positions himself as a champion of youth causes, stayed away from the protest site. The BJP leader's remarks appear aimed at highlighting an alleged inconsistency in Gandhi's public engagements. The criticism comes amid broader political tensions surrounding the student demonstrations in Jharkhand's capital.

Uttar Pradesh Launches Cow Urine Collection Pilot; SP Alleges Electoral Scam

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a pilot project focused on the collection of cow urine. The scheme has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition Samajwadi Party, which has taken a jibe at the ruling BJP over the initiative. SP alleged that the project is being used by the BJP as a mechanism to raise funds ahead of elections. The opposition party has characterized the move as a scam orchestrated for electoral purposes.

US Energy Firm Lands Drilling Equipment in Greenland Without Required Permit

A Texas-based company called Greenland Energy has unloaded drilling equipment in Greenland without obtaining the necessary permits. The firm says the move was only a preliminary step toward future exploration activities. Greenland Energy has denied any connection to US President Donald Trump's stated ambitions to acquire Greenland as a territory. The incident raises regulatory concerns given the sensitive geopolitical status of Greenland amid ongoing US interest in the autonomous Danish territory.

Europe to witness first total solar eclipse in 27 years on August 12

Europe will experience its first total solar eclipse in 27 years on August 12, with millions in Iceland and northern Spain lying in the path of totality. NASA plans to livestream the event for those unable to view it directly. Observers in the United States will see a partial eclipse, while Canada will also witness the phenomenon. The event marks the beginning of a notable period of significant celestial occurrences.

NASA's Echo 1A: How a Giant Balloon Became the First Comms Satellite in 1960

On August 12, 1960, NASA launched Echo 1A, a 100-foot metallic balloon that became the agency's first successful communications satellite. Unlike active satellites, Echo 1A was a passive spacecraft that worked by reflecting signals — including telephone, radio, and television transmissions — between distant locations on Earth. Beyond communications, the satellite also contributed to scientific research, helping NASA gather data on atmospheric density, solar pressure, and satellite triangulation techniques. Echo 1A remained in orbit for nearly eight years before re-entering Earth's atmosphere in 1968.

Daily Horoscope Predictions for All 12 Zodiac Signs: August 12, 2026

Astrological predictions for all 12 zodiac signs have been published for August 12, 2026. An astrologer has examined planetary movements and star alignments to compile the day's forecasts. The predictions aim to reflect the celestial influences expected to shape each sign's day. Readers can use these insights to get a sense of what the day may hold for them across various aspects of life.

India Reviews Bangladesh's Extradition Request for Former PM Sheikh Hasina

India's central government has stated it is examining Bangladesh's formal request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The remarks from New Delhi came a day after Dhaka renewed its extradition demand during a diplomatic meeting. Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi had met Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, during which the issue was raised again. Bangladesh has been persistently pushing for Hasina's return following her ouster from power.

Bumble Drops Mandatory Women-First Messaging Rule for Heterosexual Matches

Dating app Bumble has relaxed its long-standing policy that required women to send the first message in heterosexual matches. The rule had been a defining feature of the platform since its founding, setting it apart from rival dating apps. The change marks a significant shift in Bumble's core identity and approach to online dating. The company appears to be responding to user feedback or competitive pressures in the evolving dating app market.

Bengal BJP Plans Anti-Conversion Law and Cross-Community Land Sale Curbs

West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has announced plans to introduce a strict law against forced religious conversions in the state. He also indicated that legal restrictions would be placed on land transactions across different communities. Adhikari stated that his government would move swiftly to implement both measures. The proposed legislations signal a significant policy push by the BJP leadership in West Bengal.

Ahmed al-Sharaa: From Al-Qaeda Fighter to Syria's New President

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new Syrian president, was born in Saudi Arabia to a Syrian family with roots in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. He spent his formative years growing up in the Syrian capital, Damascus. His journey to the presidency follows an extraordinary and controversial path that included past involvement with Al-Qaeda. His rise marks a dramatic transformation from militant fighter to head of state. The story reflects the complex and turbulent shifts in Syrian politics over recent decades.