India

Tamil Nadu Bypolls for Madurantakam and Dharapuram Seats Set for October 6

Bypolls for two Tamil Nadu assembly constituencies, Madurantakam and Dharapuram, have been scheduled for October 6. The Election Commission announced the dates for these two seats requiring fresh votes. However, five other vacant seats — Tiruchi East, Ambasamudram, Viralimalai, Perundurai, and Karur — were excluded from the bypoll schedule. Elections for these five constituencies have been withheld because court cases related to their previously returned candidates are still pending. The legal proceedings must conclude before poll dates can be announced for those seats.

Babies Born Under Fire as Russia Escalates Drone Attacks on Kyiv

Russia has intensified its air campaign against Ukraine, deploying swarms of high-speed jet drones more destructive than older models. The attacks have targeted energy and logistical infrastructure as both sides attempt to gain strategic advantage. In Kyiv, the strikes have become so frequent that hospital staff and patients have grown accustomed to air raids. Remarkably, births continue at Kyiv hospitals even as air raid sirens sound, reflecting the harsh normalcy of wartime life for Ukrainian civilians.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: 18 Years Under US Government Control Explained

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two of America's largest mortgage companies, were placed under federal conservatorship in 2008 during the financial crisis. The US Treasury injected over $191 billion into the two firms between 2008 and 2017 to stabilize them. Eighteen years later, both institutions remain under government oversight. Recent agreements have been reached regarding their potential return to private control, though no firm exit timeline has been established.

AfD's Strong Showing in Germany Signals Broader Rightward Shift Across Europe

Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) recorded significant electoral gains, marking a notable shift in the country's political landscape. The result is seen as part of a wider trend of rising right-wing movements across Europe, potentially challenging long-standing political norms. Mainstream parties may respond by hardening their positions on issues such as immigration and national sovereignty. The development also raises questions about Europe's collective approach toward Russia and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Analysts suggest this evolving political realignment will have lasting implications for Europe's internal cohesion and its standing on the global stage.

Bengal BJP Pushes Back on Dhirendra Shastri's Meat Ban Call During Festivities

Religious preacher Dhirendra Shastri called for a ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food near Durga idols during the festive season and urged Hindus in West Bengal to observe Navaratri. The appeal sparked a sharp response from the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Bengal BJP leaders firmly stated that Bengalis will continue to eat fish and meat, pushing back against the proposed restriction. The party's stance highlights a cultural divide between the dietary traditions of Bengali Hindus and the call for abstinence during the religious period.

India May Introduce Penalty Points System to Curb Traffic Violations

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is planning new traffic rules that would introduce a penalty points system for motorists in India. Under the proposed framework, specific points would be assigned to drivers for committing various traffic offences. If a driver accumulates points beyond a set threshold, authorities would have the power to suspend or permanently cancel their driving licence. The move is aimed at deterring repeat traffic offenders and improving road safety across the country.

West Bengal to launch statewide crackdown on child marriage after surge in underage births

West Bengal Chief Minister has announced a statewide crackdown on child marriages following a sharp rise in underage pregnancies. Nearly 60,000 deliveries involving minors were recorded in just six months, prompting government action. Authorities will conduct house-to-house surveys to identify underage marriages and pregnancies across the state. Strict laws will be invoked against families, ceremony conductors, and others who facilitate child marriages.

Congress Demands BRS MLA's Ouster Over Remarks Against Telangana Speaker

The Congress party has launched an attack on the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) over alleged derogatory remarks made against the Telangana Assembly Speaker. The controversy centres on statements attributed to a BRS legislator that were deemed offensive by the ruling party. Telangana's Chief Minister weighed in on the matter, calling for strict action against the legislator involved. The Chief Minister specifically demanded that the membership of the MLA responsible for the remarks be revoked. The incident has escalated political tensions between the Congress-led state government and the opposition BRS.

EC announces bypolls for 1 Lok Sabha and 5 Assembly seats; check dates

Rahul Gandhi Blames BJP's 'Triple-Engine' Govt for Delhi Hostel Collapse

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the BJP following a hostel collapse in Delhi. He questioned the government's accountability, pointing out that Delhi currently has a 'triple-engine' BJP government at local, state, and central levels. Gandhi argued that the administration's failure to prevent such an incident reflects a lack of political intent rather than a lack of resources. He described the situation as one of complete helplessness on the part of the ruling party.

Varanasi's Mukti Bhawan: Why Dying Guests Are Limited to a 15-Day Stay

Mukti Bhawan is a unique guesthouse located in Varanasi, India, that caters exclusively to people nearing the end of their lives. The facility operates on a strict 15-day stay policy for all its guests. Its core purpose is to provide a spiritually serene environment where individuals can peacefully accept death. Rooted in Hindu belief, dying in Varanasi is considered a path to moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The establishment has gained international recognition for its singular and deeply spiritual mission.

West Bengal bans liquor sales on Maha Ashtami, DJ music for Durga Puja

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced two key restrictions ahead of Durga Puja at a coordination meeting with puja committees at Milan Mela Prangan on Monday. All liquor shops and bars across the state will be shut on Maha Ashtami, the day devotees offer anjali to Goddess Durga. DJ music has also been prohibited during the festival period. The measures are intended to keep the celebrations peaceful and orderly across the state.

Beavers Transform Dorset Woodland Into Wetland Within a Year

Beavers recently reintroduced in Dorset, England, have rapidly converted a dense woodland into a thriving wetland ecosystem. Their instinctive dam-building activity has slowed water flow, creating deep pools across the area. This ecological change has helped revive native wildlife species in the Purbeck region. The beaver-built dams have also proven effective in reducing road flooding during heavy rainfall. The transformation highlights how reintroducing native species can strengthen natural environmental resilience.

7 Dead in Delhi PG Collapse; Agreement Had Absolved Hostel of Liability

A building collapse at Satya Niketan in Delhi claimed seven lives, raising serious concerns about tenant safety. In the aftermath, a PG agreement surfaced that reportedly exempted the hostel management from any responsibility in the event of a tragedy. The document explicitly stated that no compensation would be provided for injuries or losses suffered by residents. The liability waiver covered a range of disasters, including fires, extreme weather events, and earthquakes. The clause has drawn sharp scrutiny given the fatal outcome of the collapse.

India, Bangladesh likely to discuss resumption of passenger train services

Exclusive: Drug addict breaks into Omar Abdullah’s Jammu residence

Displaying Kids' Achievements Boosts Their Confidence and Sense of Belonging

When parents showcase their children's drawings and accomplishments at home, it signals to kids that their efforts genuinely matter. This form of recognition helps nurture a child's sense of capability and emotional belonging within the family. Experts note that praising effort over innate talent encourages a growth-oriented mindset in young learners. Beyond psychological benefits, such displays also serve as meaningful family keepsakes that can be treasured across generations.

Kerr Links Curry's Dedication to Federer's Joy-Driven Routine Philosophy

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has drawn a parallel between Stephen Curry and tennis legend Roger Federer, citing a lesson from 2017. Kerr highlighted that Federer's sustained success stemmed from consistent daily routines and a genuine love for the game. The Swiss tennis great also credited his ability to balance family life and training as central to his long career. Kerr sees a similar rhythm and dedication in Curry's approach to basketball.

Delhi University Has 7 Lakh Students But Only 8,000 Hostel Beds

A severe shortage of official hostel accommodation forces hundreds of thousands of Delhi University students to seek private housing near campuses. The South Campus neighbourhood of Satya Niketan is one such area densely packed with students living in cramped, unofficial lodgings. With enrollment standing at approximately 7 lakh students against only around 8,000 hostel rooms, the gap is stark. This mismatch pushes students into potentially unsafe and overcrowded living conditions due to a lack of adequate institutional alternatives.

California flooded Monticello in 1956; Its streets still lie beneath Lake Berryessa